Systems/methods of improving vehicular safety

ABSTRACT

Systems and/or methods are disclosed of improving vehicular safety by acquiring data from a transceiver responsive to one or more signals that are received at the transceiver from one or more devices. The transceiver may be in a motor vehicle, and the one or more devices may include a base station and/or another transceiver of another motor vehicle. In some embodiments, the transceiver may transmit a signal responsive to having received a first signal from a first device, and the signal that is transmitted by the transceiver may cause a second device to transmit a second signal. Moreover, the transceiver may transmit data responsive to having received the second signal that is transmitted by the second device. In some embodiments, the transceiver may receive a signal from a first device, receive a signal from a second device, and transmit data responsive to having received both of the signals.

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY

The present application claims the benefit of priority as aContinuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/388,091, filed Apr.18, 2019, which itself is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 16/250,532, filed Jan. 17, 2019, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/667,949, filed May 7, 2018, entitledSystems/Methods of Altitude Limiting; to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 62/670,377, filed May 11, 2018, entitled Systems/Methods ofProviding Power Wirelessly; to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/683,235, filed Jun. 11, 2018, entitled Systems/Methods of Disablingand/or Enabling Smartphone Functions; and to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/702,106, filed Jul. 23, 2018, entitledSystems/Methods of Increasing Wireless Capacity by Using MultiplePolarizations, all of which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties as if set forth fully herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to systems/methods ofelectromagnetic utilization for providing power wirelessly, controllingof wireless devices, providing vehicular safety and increasingcommunications capacity.

BACKGROUND

It is expected that wireless devices will continue to proliferate withincreasing connectivity therebetween. Accordingly, wireless traffic isexpected to increase as we have indeed entered an era of a substantiallywirelessly interconnected society. In light of this, it may bebeneficial to effectively use signal/physical space that supportswireless communications. Mobile/cellular communications channels,however, are subject to many propagation anomalies that cause suchchannels to deviate substantially from that of free space, and thus maybe vulnerable to interference.

It is also recognized that having to plug a device into a wall outlet inorder to provide power to the device is often inconvenient andcumbersome.

Moreover, a recent concern has arisen in light of a proliferation offlying objects such as drones. Allowing flying objects to undergounrestricted trajectories is dangerous, particularly in denselypopulated areas.

SUMMARY Dual Polarization Transmission/Reception

Embodiments of inventive concepts relating dual polarizationtransmission and/or reception in a cellular environment are provided.According to some embodiments, a communications method is providedcomprising: forming (e.g., generating) by a transmitter a first signalcomprising a first function of first and/or second data that thetransmitter is to convey to a receiver; forming (e.g., generating) bythe transmitter a second signal comprising a second function of saidfirst and/or second data that the transmitter is to convey to thereceiver; and transmitting by the transmitter said first and secondsignals over respective first and second polarizations; wherein, in someembodiments, said transmitting by the transmitter said first and secondsignals over respective first and second polarizations, occurssubstantially concurrently in time over said respective first and secondpolarizations and, further, occurs substantially co-frequency over saidrespective first and second polarizations; and wherein said first datacomprises a statistical independence relative to said second data.

According to other embodiments, said first and/or second functioncomprises a coefficient of a channel that relates to said firstpolarization, a coefficient of a channel that relates to said secondpolarization, a coefficient of a channel that relates to aninterference/leakage from the first polarization to the secondpolarization and/or a coefficient of a channel that relates to aninterference/leakage from the second polarization to the firstpolarization.

According to further embodiments, said first and second polarizationscomprise respective first and second linearly polarized antennas thatcomprise a spatial quadrature with one another.

According to additional embodiments, said forming by a transmitter afirst signal, forming by the transmitter a second signal and saidtransmitting are performed by a mobile device that comprises asmartphone.

Yet, in other embodiments, said transmitting comprises: transmitting bythe mobile device over a time-varying, frequency-selective fadingchannel.

In yet further embodiments of inventive concepts, said first functioncomprises a relationship of χ′=(χ+ξy), and said second functioncomprises a relationship of y′=y; wherein χ′ comprises said first signalthat is transmitted by the transmitter over said first polarization; y′comprises said second signal that is transmitted by the transmitter oversaid second polarization; χ comprises said first data; and y comprisessaid second data; wherein ξ may be: ξ=−β_(HV)/α_(VV) orξ=−β_(HH)/α_(VH); wherein α_(VV), and β_(HV) respectively comprise aco-polarization coefficient associated with said first polarization anda cross-polarization interference coefficient associated with saidsecond polarization; and wherein β_(HH), and α_(VH) respectivelycomprise a co-polarization coefficient associated with said secondpolarization and a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said first polarization.

In some embodiments of inventive concepts, said first function comprisesa relationship of χ′=[(χ/α_(VV))+ξy], and said second function comprisesa relationship of y′=y; wherein χ′ comprises said first signal that istransmitted by the transmitter over said first polarization; y′comprises said second signal that is transmitted by the transmitter oversaid second polarization; χ comprises said first data; and y comprisessaid second data; wherein ξ may be: ξ=−β_(HV)/α_(VV) or =−β_(HH)/α_(VH);wherein α_(VV), and β_(HV) respectively comprise a co-polarizationcoefficient associated with said first polarization and across-polarization interference coefficient associated with said secondpolarization; and wherein β_(HH), and α_(VH) respectively comprise aco-polarization coefficient associated with said second polarization anda cross-polarization interference coefficient associated with said firstpolarization.

In accordance with other embodiments, said first function comprises arelationship of χ′=χ, and said second function comprises a relationshipof y′=y+ξχ; wherein χ′ comprises said first signal that is transmittedby the transmitter over said first polarization; y′ comprises saidsecond signal that is transmitted by the transmitter over said secondpolarization; χ comprises said first data; and y comprises said seconddata; wherein ξ may be set to: ξ=−α_(VV)/β_(HV) or ξ=−α_(VH)/β_(HH);wherein α_(VV), and β_(HV) respectively comprise a co-polarizationcoefficient associated with said first polarization and across-polarization interference coefficient associated with said secondpolarization; and wherein β_(HH), and α_(VH) respectively comprise aco-polarization coefficient associated with said second polarization anda cross-polarization interference coefficient associated with said firstpolarization.

In other embodiments, said first function comprises a relationship ofχ′=χ; and said second function comprises a relationship ofy′=[(y/β_(HH))+ξχ]; wherein χ′ comprises said first signal that istransmitted by the transmitter over said first polarization; y′comprises said second signal that is transmitted by the transmitter oversaid second polarization; χ comprises said first data; and y comprisessaid second data; wherein ξ may be set to: ξ=−α_(VV)/β_(HV) or,alternatively, ξ may be set to: ξ=−α_(VH)/β_(HH); wherein α_(VV), andβ_(HV) respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficient associatedwith said first polarization and a cross-polarization interferencecoefficient associated with said second polarization; and whereinβ_(HH), and α_(VH) respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficientassociated with said second polarization and a cross-polarizationinterference coefficient associated with said first polarization.

In some embodiments, said first function comprises a first linearfunctional relationship of χ′=(χ+ξy), and said second function comprisesa second linear functional relationship of y′=y+λχ; wherein χ′ comprisessaid first signal that is transmitted by the transmitter over said firstpolarization; y′ comprises said second signal that is transmitted by thetransmitter over said second polarization; χ comprises said first data;and y comprises said second data; wherein the quantities ξ and λ may be:ξ=−β_(HV)/α_(VV) and λ=−α_(VH)/β_(HH); wherein α_(VV), and β_(HV)respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficient associated with saidfirst polarization and a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said second polarization; and wherein β_(HH), and α_(VH)respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficient associated with saidsecond polarization and a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said first polarization.

In accordance with other embodiments, said first function comprises arelationship of χ′=χ[β_(HH)/(α_(VV)β_(HH)−β_(HV)α_(VH))], and whereinsaid second function comprises a relationship ofy′=y[α_(VV)/(β_(HH)α_(VV)−β_(HV)α_(VH))]; wherein χ′ comprises saidfirst signal that is transmitted by the transmitter over said firstpolarization; y′ comprises said second signal that is transmitted by thetransmitter over said second polarization; χ comprises said first data;and y comprises said second data; wherein α_(VV), and β_(HV)respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficient associated with saidfirst polarization and a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said second polarization; and wherein β_(HH), and α_(VH)respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficient associated with saidsecond polarization and a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said first polarization.

In accordance with yet additional embodiments, said first functioncomprises a relationship of χ′=(χ+ξy), and wherein said second functioncomprises a relationship of y′=y+λχ; wherein χ′ comprises said firstsignal that is transmitted by the transmitter over said firstpolarization; y′ comprises said second signal that is transmitted by thetransmitter over said second polarization; χ comprises said first data;and y comprises said second data; wherein a value of λ may be set to:ξ=−β_(HH)/α_(VH) and a value of λ may be set to: λ=−α_(VV)/β_(HV);wherein α_(VV), and β_(HV) respectively comprise a co-polarizationcoefficient associated with said first polarization and across-polarization interference coefficient associated with said secondpolarization; and wherein β_(HH), and α_(VH) respectively comprise aco-polarization coefficient associated with said second polarization anda cross-polarization interference coefficient associated with said firstpolarization.

Yet, in accordance with more embodiments, said first function comprisesa relationship of χ′=χ[β_(HV)/(α_(VH)−β_(HV)α_(VH))], wherein saidsecond function comprises a relationship ofy′=y[α_(VH)/(α_(VH)β_(HV)−β_(HH)α_(VV))]; wherein χ′ comprises saidfirst signal that is transmitted by the transmitter over said firstpolarization; y′ comprises said second signal that is transmitted by thetransmitter over said second polarization; χ comprises said first data;and y comprises said second data; wherein α_(VV), and β_(HV)respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficient associated with saidfirst polarization and a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said second polarization; and wherein in suchembodiments, β_(HH), and α_(VH) respectively comprise a co-polarizationcoefficient associated with said second polarization and across-polarization interference coefficient associated with said firstpolarization.

In accordance with additional embodiments, a communications method ispresented comprising: receiving by at least one slave device first andsecond data transmitted by a master device and intended for adestination device; transmitting the first and second data to thedestination device using a composite transmitter comprising a firsttransmitter and a second transmitter. The transmitting the first andsecond data includes generating by the first transmitter a first signalcomprising a first function of said first and/or second data that is tobe conveyed to the destination device and generating by the firsttransmitter a second signal comprising a second function of said firstand/or second data; and transmitting by the first transmitter said firstand second signals over respective first and second polarizations of thefirst transmitter. Moreover, the method includes generating by thesecond transmitter a third signal comprising a third function of saidfirst and/or second data and generating by the second transmitter afourth signal comprising a fourth function of said first and/or seconddata; and transmitting by the second transmitter said third and fourthsignals over respective first and second polarizations of the secondtransmitter; wherein said first, second, third and fourth signals aretransmitted substantially concurrently in time with one another andsubstantially co-frequency with one another; and wherein said first datacomprises a statistical independence relative to said second data.

In some embodiments, said at least one slave device comprises said firsttransmitter; wherein said first function comprises a relationship ofχ′=χ; wherein χ′ comprises said first signal, χ comprises said firstdata that is to be conveyed to the destination device; and wherein saidsecond function comprises a relationship of y′=y; wherein y′ comprisessaid second signal, and y comprises said second data that is to beconveyed to the destination device.

In further embodiments, χ′ comprises a division by Φ prior to beingtransmitted by said first transmitter; and wherein y′ comprises adivision by Ψ prior to being transmitted by said first transmitter;wherein Φ comprises a first function of channel coefficients; andwherein Ψ comprises a second function of channel coefficients.

According to additional embodiments, said first function of channelcoefficients comprises a relationship [a_(VV)−(a_(VH)/b_(VH))·b_(VV)];wherein said second function of channel coefficients comprises arelationship [a_(HH)−(a_(HV)/b_(HV))·b_(HH)]; wherein α_(VV), a_(HH),b_(VV) and b_(HH) respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficientassociated with said first polarization of said first transmitter, aco-polarization coefficient associated with said second polarization ofsaid first transmitter, a co-polarization coefficient associated withsaid first polarization of said second transmitter and a co-polarizationcoefficient associated with said second polarization of said secondtransmitter; and wherein a_(VH), a_(HV), b_(VH) and b_(HV) respectivelycomprise a cross-polarization interference coefficient associated withsaid first polarization of said first transmitter, a cross-polarizationinterference coefficient associated with said second polarization ofsaid first transmitter, a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said first polarization of said second transmitter and across-polarization interference coefficient associated with said secondpolarization of said second transmitter.

In some embodiments, said at least one slave device comprises a firstslave device and a second slave device; wherein the first slave devicecomprises said first transmitter and wherein the second slave devicecomprises said second transmitter; wherein said first function comprisesa relationship of χ′=χ; wherein χ′ comprises said first signal, χcomprises said first data that is to be conveyed to the destinationdevice; wherein said second function comprises a relationship of y′=y;wherein y′ comprises said second signal, and y comprises said seconddata that is to be conveyed to the destination device; wherein saidthird function comprises a relationship of χ″=ξχ; wherein χ″ comprisessaid third signal; wherein said fourth function comprises a relationshipof y″=λy and wherein y″ comprises said fourth signal; whereinλ=−(a_(HV)/b_(HV)) and ξ=−(a_(VH)/b_(VH)); wherein a_(HV), and b_(HV)respectively comprise a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said second polarization of said first transmitter and across-polarization interference coefficient associated with said secondpolarization of said second transmitter; and wherein b_(VH), and α_(VH)respectively comprise a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said first polarization of said second transmitter and across-polarization interference coefficient associated with said firstpolarization of said first transmitter.

In yet other embodiments, χ′ comprises a division by Φ prior to beingtransmitted by said first transmitter; and wherein y′ comprises adivision by Ψ prior to being transmitted by said first transmitter;wherein χ″ comprises a division by Φ prior to being transmitted by saidsecond transmitter; and wherein y″ comprises a division by Ψ prior tobeing transmitted by said second transmitter; wherein Φ comprises afirst function of channel coefficients; and wherein Ψ comprises a secondfunction of channel coefficients.

According to additional embodiments, said first function of channelcoefficients comprises a relationship[a_(VV)−(a_(VH)/b_(VH))·b_(VV)];and wherein said second function of channel coefficients comprises arelationship [a_(HH)−(a_(HV)/b_(HV))·b_(HH)]; wherein α_(VV), a_(HH),b_(VV) and b_(HH) respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficientassociated with said first polarization of said first transmitter, aco-polarization coefficient associated with said second polarization ofsaid first transmitter, a co-polarization coefficient associated withsaid first polarization of said second transmitter and a co-polarizationcoefficient associated with said second polarization of said secondtransmitter; and wherein a_(VH), a_(HV), b_(VH) and b_(HV) respectivelycomprise a cross-polarization interference coefficient associated withsaid first polarization of said first transmitter, a cross-polarizationinterference coefficient associated with said second polarization ofsaid first transmitter, a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said first polarization of said second transmitter and,finally, a cross-polarization interference coefficient associated withsaid second polarization of said second transmitter.

In further embodiments, said at least one slave device comprises saidfirst transmitter; wherein said first function comprises a relationshipof χ′=χ; wherein χ′ comprises said first signal; wherein χ comprisessaid first data transmitted by the master device and intended for thedestination device; wherein said second function comprises arelationship of y′=y; wherein y′ comprises said second signal; wherein ycomprises said second data transmitted by the master device and intendedfor the destination device; wherein the master device comprises saidsecond transmitter; said third function comprises a relationship ofχ″=ξχ; wherein χ″ comprises said third signal; and wherein said fourthfunction comprises a relationship of y″=λy; wherein y″ comprises saidfourth signal; wherein λ=−(a_(HV)/b_(HV)) and ξ=−(a_(VH)/b_(VH));wherein a_(HV), and b_(HV) respectively comprise a cross-polarizationinterference coefficient associated with said second polarization ofsaid first transmitter and a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said second polarization of said second transmitter; andwherein b_(VH), and a_(VH) respectively comprise a cross-polarizationinterference coefficient associated with said first polarization of saidsecond transmitter and a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said first polarization of said first transmitter.

In some embodiments, χ′ comprises a division by Φ prior to beingtransmitted by said first transmitter; and wherein y′ comprises adivision by Ψ prior to being transmitted by said first transmitter;wherein χ″ comprises a division by Φ prior to being transmitted by saidsecond transmitter; and wherein y″ comprises a division by Ψ prior tobeing transmitted by said second transmitter; wherein Φ comprises afirst function of channel coefficients; and wherein Ψ comprises a secondfunction of channel coefficients.

In other embodiments, said first function of channel coefficientscomprises a relationship [a_(VV)−(a_(VH)/b_(VH))·b_(VV)]; and whereinsaid second function of channel coefficients comprises a relationship[a_(HH)−(a_(HV)/b_(HV))·b_(HH)]; wherein α_(VV), a_(HH), b_(VV) andb_(HH) respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficient associatedwith said first polarization of said first transmitter, aco-polarization coefficient associated with said second polarization ofsaid first transmitter, a co-polarization coefficient associated withsaid first polarization of said second transmitter and a co-polarizationcoefficient associated with said second polarization of said secondtransmitter; and wherein a_(VH), a_(HV), b_(VH) and b_(HV) respectivelycomprise a cross-polarization interference coefficient associated withsaid first polarization of said first transmitter, a cross-polarizationinterference coefficient associated with said second polarization ofsaid first transmitter, a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said first polarization of said second transmitter and across-polarization interference coefficient associated with said secondpolarization of said second transmitter.

In further embodiments, said at least one slave device is proximate tothe master device and physically distinct from the master device andwherein said at least one slave device, the master device and thedestination device communicate with one another wirelessly.

According to additional embodiments, the master device and the at leastone slave device communicate therebetween wirelessly by using singlepolarization transmissions and wherein the at least one slave device andthe destination device communicate therebetween wirelessly by using dualpolarization transmissions that are substantially concurrent in time andco-frequency therebetween.

Yet in some embodiments, the master device further communicates directlywith the destination device wirelessly using dual polarizationtransmissions that are substantially concurrent in time and co-frequencytherebetween.

In yet other embodiments, said at least one slave device is proximate tothe master device and physically connected from the master device andwherein said at least one slave device, the master device and thedestination device communicate with one another.

Still, in further embodiments, the master device and the at least oneslave device communicate therebetween and wherein the at least one slavedevice and the destination device communicate therebetween wirelessly byusing dual polarization transmissions that are concurrent in time andco-frequency therebetween.

Still, in accordance with additional embodiments, the master devicefurther communicates directly with the destination device wirelesslyusing dual polarization transmissions that are concurrent in time andco-frequency therebetween.

According to yet other embodiments, said at least one slave devicecomprises functionality of a smartphone.

In some embodiments, said receiving by at least one slave device firstand second data transmitted by a master device and intended for adestination device comprises: regenerating by said at least one slavedevice said first and second data transmitted by the master device andintended for the destination device.

In other embodiments, said composite transmitter comprises a transmitterof a first smartphone and a transmitter of a second smartphone that isphysically distinct and at a distance from the first smartphone; whereinsaid first transmitter comprises the transmitter of the firstsmartphone; and wherein said second transmitter comprises thetransmitter of the second smartphone.

In further embodiments, said at least one slave device comprises thefirst smartphone and wherein said master device comprises the secondsmartphone.

In additional embodiments, said at least one slave device comprises thefirst smartphone and further comprises the second smartphone.

In yet other embodiments, said receiving by at least one slave devicecomprises a time interval t₁≤t≤t₂ and wherein said conveying the firstand second data comprises a time interval t₃≤t≤t₄ wherein t₃>t₁.

Further to the above, in accordance with additional embodiments a methodis provided comprising: wirelessly communicating by a master device withat least one slave device that is proximate to the master device;wirelessly soliciting by the master device from the at least one slavedevice a processing capability; wirelessly receiving an acknowledgementby the master device from the at least one slave device that the atleast one slave device can provide said processing capability; andreceiving said processing capability by the master device from the atleast one slave device.

In some embodiments, said wirelessly soliciting by the master devicefrom the at least one slave device a processing capability comprises:soliciting by the master device that the at least one slave devicewirelessly receive data from the master device, that the at least oneslave device regenerate the data, reformat the data and retransmit thedata over first and second polarizations thereof.

In other embodiments, said wirelessly soliciting by the master devicefrom the at least one slave device a processing capability comprises:soliciting by the master device from the at least one slave device areception of power at the master device from the at least one slavedevice and/or an audio/video be provided.

In yet additional embodiments, a method is provided comprising:receiving by a receiver of a cellular system a first signal X and asecond signal Y, over a channel comprising time-varying, dispersive,multipath-fading characteristics; wherein the receiving includesreceiving by the receiver of the cellular system the first signal X andthe second signal Y concurrently in time therebetween and co-frequencywith one another, over respective first and second polarizations of thereceiver; and processing the first signal X and the second signal Yusing a plurality of coefficients, α_(VV), α_(VH), β_(HH) and β_(HV)associated with the channel, so as to reduce a dependence of X on Yand/or a dependence of Y on X; α_(VV) denotes a co-polarizationcoefficient gain associated with a vertical-to-vertical channel path;coefficient β_(HH) denotes a co-polarization gain associated with ahorizontal-to-horizontal channel path; and wherein α_(VH) and β_(HV)respectively denote cross-polarization interference coefficientsassociated with a vertical-to-horizontal and horizontal-to-verticalchannel path.

In some embodiments, said processing comprises: multiplying the firstsignal X by (1/α_(VV)) in order to derive first data χ; multiplying saidfirst data χ with α_(VH) and forming α_(VH)χ; subtracting α_(VH)χ fromsaid second signal Y; and multiplying an output of said subtractingoperation by α_(VV)/(α_(VV)β_(HH)−α_(VH)β_(HV)) to derive second data y;wherein said first data χ comprises a statistical independence to saidsecond data y.

In some embodiments, said first data χ comprises multiplying aregenerated version of said first data χ.

In other embodiments, said processing comprises: using χ=X as firstdata, responsive to a pre-processing that has been performed by atransmitter; forming (α_(VH)/α_(VV))χ; subtracting (α_(VH)/α_(VV))χ fromsaid second signal Y; and dividing an output of said subtractingoperation by (β_(HH)−ξα_(VH)) to derive second data y; wherein ξ may beset to: ξ=−β_(HV)/α_(VV); and wherein said first data χ comprises astatistical independence to said second data y.

In further embodiments, said forming (α_(VH)/α_(VV))χ comprises using aregenerated version of said first data χ.

In accordance with additional embodiments, said processing comprises:multiplying the first signal X by (1/β_(HV)) in order to derive seconddata y; multiplying said second data y with β_(HH) and forming β_(HH)y;subtracting β_(HH)Y from said second signal Y; and multiplying an outputof said subtracting operation by β_(HV)/(α_(VH)β_(HV)−α_(VV)β_(HH)) toderive first data χ; wherein said first data χ comprises a statisticalindependence to said second data y.

In yet other embodiments, said multiplying said second data y comprisesmultiplying a regenerated version of said second data y.

According to yet further embodiments a method is provided comprising:receiving by a receiver of a cellular system a first signal X and asecond signal Y, over a channel comprising time-varying, dispersive,multipath-fading characteristics; wherein the receiving includesreceiving by the receiver of the cellular system the first signal X andthe second signal Y concurrently in time therebetween and co-frequencywith one another, over respective first and second polarizations of thereceiver; and processing the first signal X and the second signal Yusing a plurality of coefficients, a_(VV), a_(HH), a_(VH), a_(HV),b_(HH), b_(VV), b_(VH) and b_(HV) associated with a first and secondchannel, so as to modify an amplitude and/or magnitude of X and/or Y;wherein a_(VV), and a_(HH) respectively denote co-polarizationcoefficient gains associated with a vertical-to-vertical andhorizontal-to-horizontal channel path of the first channel; whereincoefficients a_(VH), and a_(HV) respectively denote first and secondcross-polarization interference gains associated with avertical-to-horizontal and horizontal-to-vertical channel path of thefirst channel; wherein b_(VV), and b_(HH) respectively denote first andsecond co-polarization coefficient gains associated with avertical-to-vertical and horizontal-to-horizontal channel path of thesecond channel; and wherein coefficients b_(VH), and b_(HV) respectivelydenote cross-polarization interference gains associated with avertical-to-horizontal and horizontal-to-vertical channel path of thesecond channel.

In some embodiments, said processing comprises: multiplying the firstsignal X by an inverse of [a_(VV)−(a_(VH)/b_(VH))·b_(VV)] in order toderive first data χ; multiplying the second signal Y by an inverse of[a_(HH)−(a_(HV)/b_(HV))·b_(HH)] in order to derive second data y; andwherein said first data χ comprises a statistical independence to saidsecond data y.

According to yet additional embodiments a system is provided comprisinga transmitter and a processor that controls the system to performoperations comprising: forming by the transmitter a first signalcomprising a first function of first and/or second data that thetransmitter is to convey to a receiver; forming by the transmitter asecond signal comprising a second function of said first and/or seconddata that the transmitter is to convey to the receiver; and transmittingby the transmitter said first and second signals over respective firstand second polarizations; wherein said transmitting by the transmittersaid first and second signals over respective first and secondpolarizations, occurs substantially concurrently in time therebetweenover said respective first and second polarizations and further occurssubstantially co-frequency over said respective first and secondpolarizations; and wherein said first data comprises a statisticalindependence relative to said second data.

In some embodiments, said first and/or second function comprises acoefficient of a channel that relates to said first polarization, acoefficient of a channel that relates to said second polarization, acoefficient of a channel that relates to an interference/leakage fromthe first polarization to the second polarization and/or a coefficientof a channel that relates to an interference/leakage from the secondpolarization to the first polarization.

In other embodiments, said first and second polarizations compriserespective first and second linearly polarized antennas that comprise aspatial quadrature with one another. For example, the transmitter Tx maycomprise first and second linearly polarized antennas thatcreate/generate/perform the first and second polarizations,respectively.

In further embodiments, said forming by a transmitter a first signal,forming by the transmitter a second signal and said transmitting areperformed by a mobile device that comprises a smartphone.

In additional embodiments, said transmitting comprises: transmitting bythe mobile device over a time-varying, frequency-selective fadingchannel.

In yet other embodiments, said first function comprises of χ′=(χ+ξy),and said second function comprises of y′=y; wherein χ′ comprises saidfirst signal that is transmitted by the transmitter over said firstpolarization; y′ comprises said second signal that is transmitted by thetransmitter over said second polarization; χ comprises said first data;and y comprises said second data; wherein ξ=−β_(HV)/α_(VV) orξ=−β_(HH)/α_(VH); wherein coefficients α_(VV), and β_(HV) respectivelycomprise a co-polarization coefficient that is associated with saidfirst polarization and a cross-polarization interference coefficientthat is associated with said second polarization; and wherein β_(HH),and α_(VH) respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficientassociated with said second polarization and a cross-polarizationinterference coefficient associated with said first polarization.

Yet in accordance with further embodiments, said first functioncomprises a relationship of χ′=[(χ/α_(VV))+ξy], and said second functioncomprises a relationship of y′=y; wherein χ′ comprises said first signalthat is transmitted by the transmitter over said first polarization; y′comprises said second signal that is transmitted by the transmitter oversaid second polarization; χ comprises said first data; and y comprisessaid second data; wherein ξ=−β_(HV)/α_(VV) or ξ=−β_(HH)/α_(VH); whereincoefficients α_(VV), and β_(HV) respectively comprise a co-polarizationcoefficient that is associated with said first polarization and across-polarization interference coefficient that is associated with saidsecond polarization; and wherein β_(HH), and α_(VH) respectivelycomprise a co-polarization coefficient associated with said secondpolarization and a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said first polarization.

Still, according to additional embodiments, said first functioncomprises a relationship of χ′=χ, and said second function comprises arelationship of y′=y+ξχ; wherein χ′ comprises said first signal that istransmitted by the transmitter over said first polarization; y′comprises said second signal that is transmitted by the transmitter oversaid second polarization; χ comprises said first data; and y comprisessaid second data; wherein the parameter ξ may be set according to:ξ=−α_(VV)/β_(HV) or ξ=−α_(VH)/β_(HH); wherein α_(VV), and β_(HV)respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficient associated with saidfirst polarization and a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said second polarization; and wherein β_(HH), and α_(VH)respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficient associated with saidsecond polarization and a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said first polarization.

In some embodiments, said first function comprises a relationship ofχ′=χ; and said second function comprises a relationship ofy′=[(y/β_(HH))+ξχ]; wherein χ′ comprises said first signal that istransmitted by the transmitter over said first polarization; y′comprises said second signal that is transmitted by the transmitter oversaid second polarization; χ comprises said first data; and y comprisessaid second data; wherein a value of the parameter ξ may be set inaccordance with: ξ=−α_(VV)/β_(HV) or ξ=−α_(VH)/β_(HH); wherein α_(VV),and β_(HV) respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficientassociated with said first polarization and a cross-polarizationinterference coefficient associated with said second polarization; andwherein β_(HH), and α_(VH) respectively comprise a co-polarizationcoefficient associated with said second polarization and across-polarization interference coefficient associated with said firstpolarization.

In accordance with yet additional embodiments, said first functioncomprises a relationship of χ′=(χ+ξy), and wherein said second functioncomprises a relationship of y′=y+λχ; wherein χ′ comprises said firstsignal that is transmitted by the transmitter over said firstpolarization; y′ comprises said second signal that is transmitted by thetransmitter over said second polarization; χ comprises said first data;and y comprises said second data; wherein ξ=−β_(HV)/α_(VV) andλ=−α_(VH)/β_(HH); wherein coefficients α_(VV), and β_(HV) respectivelycomprise a co-polarization coefficient associated with said firstpolarization and a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said second polarization; and wherein β_(HH), and α_(VH)respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficient associated with saidsecond polarization and a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said first polarization.

In accordance with some further embodiments, said first functioncomprises a relationship of χ′=χ[β_(HH)/(α_(VV)β_(HH)−β_(HV)α_(VH))],and wherein said second function comprises a relationship ofy′=y[α_(VV)/(β_(HH)α_(VV)−β_(HV)α_(VH))]; wherein χ′ comprises saidfirst signal that is transmitted by the transmitter over said firstpolarization; y′ comprises said second signal that is transmitted by thetransmitter over said second polarization; χ comprises said first data;and y comprises said second data; wherein α_(VV), and β_(HV)respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficient associated with saidfirst polarization and a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said second polarization; and wherein β_(HH), and α_(VH)respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficient associated with saidsecond polarization and a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said first polarization.

In other embodiments, said first function comprises χ′=(χ+ξy), and saidsecond function comprises y′=y+λχ; wherein χ′ comprises said firstsignal that is transmitted by the transmitter over said firstpolarization; y′ comprises said second signal that is transmitted by thetransmitter over said second polarization; χ comprises said first data;and y comprises said second data; wherein parameter values of ξ and λmay be set in accordance with: ξ=−β_(HH)/α_(VH) and λ=−α_(VV)/β_(HV);wherein coefficients α_(VV), and β_(HV) respectively comprise aco-polarization coefficient that is associated with said firstpolarization and a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said second polarization; and wherein β_(HH), and α_(VH)respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficient associated with saidsecond polarization and a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said first polarization.

In accordance with yet additional embodiments, said first functioncomprises a relationship of χ′=χ[β_(HV)/(α_(VH)−β_(HV)α_(VH))], andwherein said second function comprises a relationship ofy′=y[α_(VH)(α_(VH)β_(HV)−β_(HH)α_(VV))]; wherein χ′ comprises said firstsignal that is transmitted by the transmitter over said firstpolarization; y′ comprises said second signal that is transmitted by thetransmitter over said second polarization; χ comprises said first data;and y comprises said second data; wherein α_(VV), and β_(HV)respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficient associated with saidfirst polarization and a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said second polarization; and wherein β_(HH), and α_(VH)respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficient associated with saidsecond polarization and a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said first polarization.

Yet, further embodiments of inventive concepts may be provided. Inaccordance with some, a system is provided comprising a master device,at least one slave device, a composite transmitter and a processor thatcontrols the system to perform operations comprising: receiving by theat least one slave device first and second data from the master device;wherein the master device desires/intends to convey to a destinationdevice the first and second data; transmitting the first and second datato the destination device using the composite transmitter comprising afirst transmitter and a second transmitter. The transmitting the firstand second data includes generating by the first transmitter a firstsignal comprising a first function of said first and/or second data thatis to be conveyed to the destination device and generating by the firsttransmitter a second signal comprising a second function of said firstand/or second data; and transmitting by the first transmitter said firstand second signals over respective first and second polarizations of thefirst transmitter. Moreover, the operations include generating by thesecond transmitter a third signal comprising a third function of saidfirst and/or second data and generating by the second transmitter afourth signal comprising a fourth function of said first and/or seconddata; and transmitting by the second transmitter said third and fourthsignals over respective first and second polarizations of the secondtransmitter; wherein said first, second, third and fourth signals aretransmitted substantially concurrently in time with one another andsubstantially co-frequency with one another; and wherein said first datacomprises a statistical independence relative to said second data.

In still additional embodiments, said at least one slave devicecomprises said first transmitter; wherein said first function comprisesa relationship of χ′=χ; wherein χ′ comprises said first signal, χcomprises said first data that is to be conveyed to the destinationdevice; and wherein said second function comprises a relationship ofy′=y; wherein y′ comprises said second signal, and y comprises saidsecond data that is to be conveyed to the destination device.

In yet other embodiments, χ′ comprises a division by Φ prior to beingtransmitted by said first transmitter; and wherein y′ comprises adivision by Ψ prior to being transmitted by said first transmitter;wherein Φ comprises a first function of channel coefficients; andwherein Ψ comprises a second function of channel coefficients.

In some embodiments, said first function of channel coefficientscomprises a relationship [a_(VV)−(a_(VV)/b_(VH))·b_(VV)]; and saidsecond function of channel coefficients comprises a relationship[a_(HH)−(a_(HV)/b_(HV))·b_(HH)]; wherein α_(VV), a_(HH), b_(VV) andb_(HH) respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficient associatedwith said first polarization of said first transmitter, aco-polarization coefficient associated with said second polarization ofsaid first transmitter, a co-polarization coefficient associated withsaid first polarization of said second transmitter and a co-polarizationcoefficient associated with said second polarization of said secondtransmitter; and wherein a_(VH), a_(HV), b_(VH) and b_(HV) respectivelycomprise a cross-polarization interference coefficient associated withsaid first polarization of said first transmitter, a cross-polarizationinterference coefficient associated with said second polarization ofsaid first transmitter, a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said first polarization of said second transmitter and across-polarization interference coefficient associated with said secondpolarization of said second transmitter.

In other embodiments, said at least one slave device comprises a firstslave device and a second slave device; wherein the first slave devicecomprises said first transmitter and wherein the second slave devicecomprises said second transmitter; wherein said first function comprisesa relationship of χ′=χ; wherein χ′ comprises said first signal, χcomprises said first data that is to be conveyed to the destinationdevice; wherein said second function comprises a relationship of y′=y;wherein y′ comprises said second signal, and y comprises said seconddata that is to be conveyed to the destination device; wherein saidthird function comprises a relationship of χ″=ξχ; wherein χ″ comprisessaid third signal; wherein said fourth function comprises a relationshipof y″=λy and wherein y″ comprises said fourth signal; whereinλ=−(a_(HV)/b_(HV)) and ξ=−(a_(VH)/b_(VH)); wherein a_(HV), and b_(HV)respectively comprise a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said second polarization of said first transmitter and across-polarization interference coefficient associated with said secondpolarization of said second transmitter; and wherein b_(VH), and arespectively comprise a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said first polarization of said second transmitter and across-polarization interference coefficient associated with said firstpolarization of said first transmitter.

In further embodiments, χ′ comprises a division by Φ prior to beingtransmitted by said first transmitter; and wherein y′ comprises adivision by Ψ prior to being transmitted by said first transmitter;wherein χ″ comprises a division by Φ prior to being transmitted by saidsecond transmitter; and wherein y″ comprises a division by Ψ prior tobeing transmitted by said second transmitter; wherein Φ comprises afirst function of channel coefficients; and wherein Ψ comprises a secondfunction of channel coefficients.

In additional embodiments, said first function of channel coefficientscomprises a relationship [a_(VV)−(a_(VH)/b_(VH))·b_(VV)]; and saidsecond function of channel coefficients comprises a relationship[a_(HH)−(a_(HV)/b_(HV))·b_(HH)]; wherein α_(VV), a_(HH), b_(VV) andb_(HH) respectively comprise a co-polarization coefficient associatedwith said first polarization of said first transmitter, aco-polarization coefficient associated with said second polarization ofsaid first transmitter, a co-polarization coefficient associated withsaid first polarization of said second transmitter and a co-polarizationcoefficient associated with said second polarization of said secondtransmitter; and wherein a_(VH), a_(HV), b_(VH) and b_(HV) respectivelycomprise a cross-polarization interference coefficient associated withsaid first polarization of said first transmitter, a cross-polarizationinterference coefficient associated with said second polarization ofsaid first transmitter, a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said first polarization of said second transmitter and across-polarization interference coefficient associated with said secondpolarization of said second transmitter.

In yet other embodiments, said at least one slave device comprises saidfirst transmitter; wherein said first function comprises a relationshipof χ′=χ; wherein χ′ comprises said first signal; wherein χ comprisessaid first data transmitted by the master device and intended for thedestination device; wherein said second function comprises arelationship of y′=y; wherein y′ comprises said second signal; wherein ycomprises said second data transmitted by the master device and intendedfor the destination device; wherein the master device comprises saidsecond transmitter; said third function comprises a relationship ofχ″=ξχ; wherein χ″ comprises said third signal; and wherein said fourthfunction comprises a relationship of y″=λy; wherein y″ comprises saidfourth signal; wherein λ=−(a_(HV)/b_(HV)) and ξ=−(a_(VH)/b_(VH));wherein a_(HV), and b_(HV) respectively comprise a cross-polarizationinterference coefficient associated with said second polarization ofsaid first transmitter and a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said second polarization of said second transmitter; andwherein b_(VH), and a_(VH) respectively comprise a cross-polarizationinterference coefficient associated with said first polarization of saidsecond transmitter and a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said first polarization of said first transmitter.

In yet further embodiments, χ′ comprises a division by Φ prior to beingtransmitted by said first transmitter; and wherein y′ comprises adivision by Ψ prior to being transmitted by said first transmitter;wherein χ″ comprises a division by Φ prior to being transmitted by saidsecond transmitter; and wherein y″ comprises a division by Ψ prior tobeing transmitted by said second transmitter; wherein Φ comprises afirst function of channel coefficients; and wherein Ψ comprises a secondfunction of channel coefficients.

Still, in accordance with additional embodiments, said first function ofchannel coefficients comprises a relationship[a_(VV)−(a_(VH)/b_(VH))·b_(VV)]; and said second function of channelcoefficients comprises a relationship [a_(HH)−(a_(HV)/b_(HV))·b_(HH)];wherein a_(VV), a_(HH), b_(VV) and b_(HH) respectively comprise aco-polarization coefficient associated with said first polarization ofsaid first transmitter, a co-polarization coefficient associated withsaid second polarization of said first transmitter, a co-polarizationcoefficient associated with said first polarization of said secondtransmitter and a co-polarization coefficient associated with saidsecond polarization of said second transmitter; and wherein a_(VH),a_(HV), b_(VH) and b_(HV) respectively comprise a cross-polarizationinterference coefficient associated with said first polarization of saidfirst transmitter, a cross-polarization interference coefficientassociated with said second polarization of said first transmitter, across-polarization interference coefficient associated with said firstpolarization of said second transmitter and a cross-polarizationinterference coefficient associated with said second polarization ofsaid second transmitter.

In accordance with still more embodiments, said at least one slavedevice is proximate to the master device and physically distinct fromthe master device and wherein said at least one slave device, the masterdevice and the destination device communicate with one anotherwirelessly.

Yet, in other embodiments, the master device and the at least one slavedevice communicate therebetween wirelessly by using single polarizationtransmissions and wherein the at least one slave device and thedestination device communicate therebetween wirelessly by using dualpolarization transmissions that are concurrent in time and co-frequencytherebetween.

In some embodiments, the master device further communicates directlywith the destination device wirelessly using dual polarizationtransmissions that are concurrent in time and co-frequency therebetween.

In other embodiments, said at least one slave device is proximate to themaster device and physically connected from the master device andwherein said at least one slave device, the master device and thedestination device communicate with one another.

In further embodiments, the master device and the at least one slavedevice communicate therebetween and wherein the at least one slavedevice and the destination device communicate therebetween wirelessly byusing dual polarization transmissions that are concurrent in time andco-frequency therebetween.

In additional embodiments, the master device further communicatesdirectly with the destination device wirelessly using dual polarizationtransmissions that are concurrent in time and co-frequency therebetween.

In yet further embodiments, said at least one slave device comprisesfunctionality of a smartphone.

And, in accordance with still additional embodiments, said receiving byat least one slave device first and second data transmitted by a masterdevice and intended for a destination device comprises: regenerating bysaid at least one slave device said first and second data transmitted bythe master device and intended for the destination device.

Further to the above and in accordance with yet more embodiments, saidcomposite transmitter comprises a transmitter of a first smartphone anda transmitter of a second smartphone that is physically distinct and ata distance from the first smartphone; wherein said first transmittercomprises the transmitter of the first smartphone; and wherein saidsecond transmitter comprises the transmitter of the second smartphone.

In some embodiments, said at least one slave device comprises the firstsmartphone and wherein said master device comprises the secondsmartphone.

In other embodiments, said at least one slave device comprises the firstsmartphone and further comprises the second smartphone.

In further embodiments, said receiving by at least one slave devicecomprises a time interval t₁≤t≤t₂ and wherein said conveying the firstand second data comprises a time interval t₃≤t≤t₄ wherein t₃>t₁.

In addition to the many embodiments that may be provided by the plethoraof inventive concepts disclosed herein, as described above, furtherembodiments may be provided of a system comprising a master device and aprocessor that is configured to control the system to perform operationscomprising: wirelessly communicating by the master device with at leastone slave device that is proximate to the master device; wirelesslysoliciting by the master device from the at least one slave device aprocessing capability; wirelessly receiving an acknowledgement by themaster device from the at least one slave device that the at least oneslave device can provide said processing capability; and receiving saidprocessing capability by the master device from the at least one slavedevice.

In some embodiments, said wirelessly soliciting by the master devicefrom the at least one slave device a processing capability comprises:soliciting by the master device that the at least one slave devicewirelessly receive data from the master device, that the at least oneslave device regenerate the data, reformat the data and retransmit thedata over first and second polarizations thereof.

In other embodiments, said wirelessly soliciting by the master devicefrom the at least one slave device a processing capability comprises:soliciting by the master device from the at least one slave device areception of power at the master device from the at least one slavedevice and/or an audio/video be provided.

Further to the many embodiments that may be provided, as describedabove, additional embodiments may be provided of a communications systemcomprising a receiver of a cellular system and a processor that isconfigured to control the communications system to perform operationscomprising: receiving by the receiver of the cellular system a firstsignal X and a second signal Y, over a channel comprising time-varying,frequency-selective, dispersive, multipath-fading characteristics;wherein the receiving includes receiving by the receiver of the cellularsystem the first signal X and the second signal Y concurrently in timeand co-frequency with one another, over respective first and secondpolarizations of the receiver; and processing the first signal X and thesecond signal Y using a plurality of coefficients, α_(VV), α_(VH),β_(HH) and β_(HV) associated with the channel, so as to reduce adependence of X on Y and/or a dependence of Y on X; wherein coefficientsα_(VV), and β_(HH) respectively denote co-polarization coefficient gainsassociated with a vertical-to-vertical and a horizontal-to-horizontalchannel path; and wherein coefficients α_(VH) and β_(HV) respectivelydenote cross-polarization interference coefficients associated with avertical-to-horizontal and horizontal-to-vertical channel path.

In some embodiments, said processing comprises: multiplying the firstsignal X by (1/α_(VV)) in order to derive first data χ; multiplying saidfirst data χ with α_(VH) and forming α_(VH)χ; subtracting α_(VH)χ fromsaid second signal Y; and multiplying an output of said subtractingoperation by α_(VV)/(α_(VV)β_(HH)−α_(VH)β_(HV)) to derive second data y;wherein said first data χ comprises a statistical independence to saidsecond data y.

In other embodiments, said multiplying said first data χ comprisesmultiplying a regenerated version of said first data χ.

In further embodiments, said processing comprises: using χ=X as firstdata, responsive to a pre-processing that has been performed by atransmitter; forming (α_(VH)/α_(VV))χ; subtracting (α_(VH)/α_(VV))χ fromsaid second signal Y; and dividing an output of said subtractingoperation by (β_(HH)−ξα_(VH)) to derive second data y; wherein a valueof the parameter ξ may be set as: ξ=−β_(HV)/α_(VV); and wherein saidfirst data χ comprises a statistical independence to said second data y.

In additional embodiments, said forming (α_(VH)/α_(VV))χ comprises usinga regenerated version of said first data χ.

In yet other embodiments, said processing comprises: multiplying thefirst signal X by (1/β_(HV)) in order to derive second data y;multiplying said second data y with β_(HH) and forming β_(HH)Y;subtracting β_(HH)y from said second signal Y; and multiplying an outputof said subtracting operation by β_(HV)/(α_(VH)β_(HV)−α_(VV)β_(HH)) toderive first data χ; wherein said first data χ comprises a statisticalindependence to said second data y.

Still, in accordance with further embodiments, said multiplying saidsecond data y comprises multiplying a regenerated version of said seconddata y.

Many other embodiments are also possible. In accordance with someembodiments, a communications system may be provided comprising areceiver of a cellular system and a processor that controls thecommunications system to perform operations comprising: receiving by thereceiver of the cellular system a first signal X and a second signal Y,over a channel comprising time-varying, dispersive, multipath-fadingcharacteristics; wherein the receiving includes receiving by thereceiver of the cellular system the first signal X and the second signalY concurrently in time and co-frequency with one another, overrespective first and second polarizations of the receiver; andprocessing the first signal X and the second signal Y using a pluralityof coefficients, a_(VV), a_(HH), a_(VH), a_(HV), b_(HH), b_(VV), b_(VH)and b_(HV) associated with a first and second channel, so as to modifyan amplitude and/or magnitude of X and/or Y; wherein a_(VV), and a_(HH)respectively denote co-polarization gains associated with avertical-to-vertical and horizontal-to-horizontal channel path of thefirst channel; wherein coefficients a_(VH), and a_(HV) respectivelydenote cross-polarization gains associated with a vertical-to-horizontaland horizontal-to-vertical channel path of the first channel; saidcross-polarization gains, in some embodiments, reflecting interference;wherein coefficients b_(VV), and b_(HH) respectively denoteco-polarization gains associated with a vertical-to-vertical andhorizontal-to-horizontal channel path of the second channel; and whereincoefficients b_(VH), and b_(HV) respectively denote cross-polarizationinterference gains associated with a vertical-to-horizontal andhorizontal-to-vertical channel path of the second channel.

In some embodiments, said processing comprises: multiplying the firstsignal X by an inverse of [a_(VV)−(a_(VH)/b_(VH))·b_(VV)] in order toderive first data χ; and multiplying the second signal Y by an inverseof [a_(HH)−(a_(HV)/b_(HV))·b_(HH)] in order to derive second data y;wherein said first data χ comprises a statistical independence to saidsecond data y.

In further embodiments, said respective first and second polarizationsof the receiver comprise respective first and second antennas comprisinga rotation therebetween.

A communications method, according to some embodiments, may includeconcurrently transmitting, from a first electronic device to a secondelectronic device, first and second signals via different first andsecond polarizations, respectively, of a cellular communicationschannel; wherein said concurrently transmitting comprises concurrentlytransmitting in time and transmitting the first and second signalsco-frequency therebetween; and wherein transmitting the first and secondsignals co-frequency therebetween comprises transmitting the firstsignal using a frequency and transmitting the second signal using thefrequency.

Constraining a Trajectory of an Object

In some embodiments, a method of limiting a height of an object isprovided; the method comprising: estimating a position associated withthe object; comparing a height of said position with a not-to-exceedheight that is associated with said position; and limiting said heightof said position to said not-to-exceed height even though a command toincrease said height of said position to a value exceeding saidnot-to-exceed height is imposed on the object.

In other embodiments, an additional method of limiting a height of anobject is provided; the additional method comprising: estimating aposition associated with the object; comparing a height of said positionwith a predetermined lower height that is associated with said position;and limiting said height of said position to no less than saidpredetermined lower height even though a command to lower said height ofsaid position to a value that is less than said predetermined lowerheight is imposed on the object.

Transferring Power Wirelessly

In further embodiments, a method of transferring power wirelessly to adevice that is to be powered is provided, the method comprising:receiving and processing a return signal that is transmitted by saiddevice that is to be powered; transmitting a first forward signal by afirst radiating device of a plurality of radiating devices; transmittinga second forward signal by a second radiating device of said pluralityof radiating devices; and adjusting a phase of said second forwardsignal responsive to said receiving and processing; wherein saidadjusting is performed such that said second forward signal and saidfirst forward signal add substantially coherently at a location that isassociated with said device that is to be powered.

In some embodiments, said receiving and processing comprises: detectinga measure of a phase difference between said first and second forwardsignals.

In yet other embodiments said adjusting a phase of said second forwardsignal comprises imposing a phase modulation on said second forwardsignal and wherein said detecting a measure of a phase differencecomprises detecting an amplitude variation caused by said phasemodulation.

According to additional embodiments, said adjusting a phase of saidsecond forward signal comprises processing one or more pilot tones ofthe return signal that is transmitted by said device to be powered anddetecting a channel phase.

In yet other embodiments, said receiving and processing comprises: usinga plurality of antenna elements; forming a plurality of pencil beamantenna patterns; using said plurality of pencil beam antenna patternsto measure a respective plurality of signal strengths associated with arespective plurality of directions; and identifying one pencil beamantenna pattern of said plurality of pencil beam antenna patters thatprovides a maximum signal strength.

In accordance with some embodiments, said transmitting a first forwardsignal by a first radiating device comprises: responsive to saidreceiving and processing, using a plurality of antenna elements andforming a pencil beam by said first radiating device in a direction ofmaximum signal strength received by the first radiating device via saidreturn signal from said device to be powered; and wherein saidtransmitting a second forward signal by a second radiating devicecomprises: responsive to said receiving and processing, using aplurality of antenna elements and forming a pencil beam by said secondradiating device in a direction of maximum signal strength received bythe second radiating device via said return signal from said device tobe powered.

Some embodiments provide a method of requesting power by a device to bepowered, the method comprising: sensing by the device to be powered apresence of one or more radiating devices; requesting power by thedevice to be powered by transmitting a signal at a frequency; receivingpower from at least one radiating device at the frequency; wherein,responsive to said sensing, said requesting occurs periodically with aperiod of T seconds; said requesting comprises a time duration of τseconds over said period of T seconds, τ<T; and wherein said requestingcontinues to occur periodically over an interval of time that is greaterthan said T seconds; and wherein, responsive to said requesting, saidreceiving occurs periodically with the period of T seconds; saidreceiving comprises a time duration of T−τ seconds over said period of Tseconds, τ<T; and wherein said receiving continues to occur periodicallyover an interval of time that is greater than the T seconds.

Other embodiments provide a system of transferring power wirelessly to adevice that is to be powered, the system comprising a plurality ofradiating devices and a processor that controls the system to performoperations comprising: receiving and processing a return signal that istransmitted by said device that is to be powered; transmitting a firstforward signal by a first radiating device of the plurality of radiatingdevices; transmitting a second forward signal by a second radiatingdevice of said plurality of radiating devices; and adjusting a phase ofsaid second forward signal responsive to said receiving and processing;wherein said adjusting is performed such that said second forward signaland said first forward signal add substantially coherently at a locationthat is associated with said device that is to be powered.

In some embodiments, said receiving and processing comprises: detectinga measure of a phase difference between said first and second forwardsignals.

In other embodiments, said adjusting a phase of said second forwardsignal comprises imposing a phase modulation on said second forwardsignal and wherein said detecting a measure of a phase differencecomprises detecting an amplitude variation caused by said phasemodulation.

In further embodiments, said adjusting a phase of said second forwardsignal comprises processing one or more pilot tones of the return signalthat is transmitted by said device to be powered and detecting a channelphase.

In yet additional embodiments, said receiving and processing comprises:using a plurality of antenna elements; forming a plurality of pencilbeam antenna patterns; using said plurality of pencil beam antennapatterns to measure a respective plurality of signal strengthsassociated with a respective plurality of directions; and identifyingone pencil beam antenna pattern of said plurality of pencil beam antennapatters that provides a maximum signal strength.

In further embodiments, said transmitting a first forward signal by afirst radiating device comprises: responsive to said receiving andprocessing, using a plurality of antenna elements and forming a pencilbeam by said first radiating device in a direction of maximum signalstrength received by the first radiating device via said return signalfrom said device to be powered; and wherein said transmitting a secondforward signal by a second radiating device comprises: responsive tosaid receiving and processing, using a plurality of antenna elements andforming a pencil beam by said second radiating device in a direction ofmaximum signal strength received by the second radiating device via saidreturn signal from said device to be powered.

Other embodiments provide a system comprising a device to be powered anda processor that controls the system to perform operations comprising:sensing by the device to be powered a presence of one or more radiatingdevices; requesting power by the device to be powered by transmitting asignal at a frequency; receiving power from at least one radiatingdevice at the frequency; wherein, responsive to said sensing, saidrequesting occurs periodically with a period of T seconds; saidrequesting comprises a time duration of τ seconds over said period of Tseconds, τ<T; and wherein said requesting continues to occurperiodically over an interval of time that is greater than said Tseconds; wherein, responsive to said requesting, said receiving occursperiodically with the period of T seconds; said receiving comprises atime duration of T−τ seconds over said period of T seconds, τ<T; andwherein said receiving continues to occur periodically over an intervalof time that is greater than the T seconds.

Altering a Function of a Communications Device

Some embodiments provide a method of altering a function of asmartphone, the method comprising: receiving data associated with adriver of a vehicle; ascertaining using a smartphone-based sensor, dataassociated with a user of the smartphone; and altering a function of thesmartphone responsive to detecting a match between said data associatedwith the driver of the vehicle and said data associated with the user ofthe smartphone.

In some embodiments, said receiving data comprises: receiving data fromthe vehicle.

In other embodiments, said ascertaining comprises: ascertaining an imageof the user of the smartphone.

In further embodiments, said altering a function comprises: disabling anotification; disabling texting; and/or disabling web surfing.

According to some embodiments, a method is provided of altering a stateof a smartphone, the method comprising: receiving a first predeterminedsignal; storing a first state of the smartphone; altering the state ofthe smartphone from said first state to a second state by altering afunction of the smartphone that is associated with said first stateresponsive to said receiving the first predetermined signal; receiving asecond predetermined signal; and restoring the smartphone from saidsecond state to said first state responsive to said receiving the secondpredetermined signal.

According to other embodiments, a method is provided of altering a stateof a smartphone, the method comprising: estimating a position, avelocity and an acceleration of the smartphone; storing a first state ofthe smartphone; altering the first state of the smartphone to a secondstate by altering a function of the smartphone that is associated withsaid first state responsive to said position comprising one of aplurality of predetermined values, responsive to said velocity exceedinga predetermined threshold and responsive to said acceleration beingpositive.

In some embodiments said method further comprising: altering the secondstate of the smartphone to the first state of the smartphone by alteringa function of the smartphone that is associated with said second stateresponsive to said position comprising one of a plurality ofpredetermined values, responsive to said velocity being below saidpredetermined threshold and responsive to said acceleration beingnegative.

According to some embodiments, the first state of the smartphonecomprises a GPS function and wherein the second state of the smartphonealso comprises a GPS function.

According to other embodiments, said second state comprises thesmartphone being in airplane mode.

In some embodiments, a system is provided comprising a smartphone and aprocessor that controls the smartphone to perform operations comprising:receiving data associated with a driver of a vehicle; ascertaining usinga smartphone-based sensor, data associated with a user of thesmartphone; and altering a function of the smartphone responsive todetecting a match between said data associated with the driver of thevehicle and said data associated with the user of the smartphone.

In other embodiments, said receiving data comprises: receiving data fromthe vehicle.

In further embodiments, said ascertaining comprises: ascertaining animage of the user of the smartphone.

In yet additional embodiments, said altering a function comprises:disabling a notification; disabling texting; and/or disabling websurfing.

According to some embodiments, a system is provided comprising asmartphone and a processor that controls the smartphone to performoperations comprising: receiving a first predetermined signal; storing afirst state of the smartphone; altering a state of the smartphone fromsaid first state to a second state by altering a function of thesmartphone that is associated with said first state responsive to saidreceiving the first predetermined signal; receiving a secondpredetermined signal; and restoring the smartphone from said secondstate to said first state responsive to said receiving the secondpredetermined signal.

According to further embodiments, a system is provided comprising asmartphone and a processor that controls the smartphone to performoperations comprising: estimating a position, a velocity and anacceleration of the smartphone; storing a first state of the smartphone;altering said first state of the smartphone to a second state byaltering a function of the smartphone that is associated with said firststate responsive to said position comprising one of a plurality ofpredetermined values, responsive to said velocity exceeding a thresholdand responsive to said acceleration being positive.

In accordance with some embodiments, said operations further comprise:altering the second state of the smartphone to the first state of thesmartphone by altering a function of the smartphone that is associatedwith said second state responsive to said position comprising one of aplurality of predetermined values, responsive to said velocity beingbelow said threshold and responsive to said acceleration being negative.

In accordance with other embodiments, the first state of the smartphonecomprises a GPS function and wherein the second state of the smartphonealso comprises a GPS function.

In accordance with yet additional embodiments, said second statecomprises the smartphone being in airplane mode.

In accordance with yet more embodiments, said threshold comprises apredetermined threshold.

Improving Vehicular Safety

Some embodiments disclosed herein include, without limitation, a systemthat is configured to perform operations comprising: identifying aplurality of motor vehicles that are within a geographic area;requesting data from at least one motor vehicle of said plurality ofmotor vehicles; transmitting information to at least one motor vehicleof said plurality of motor vehicles; and controlling a velocity and/oran acceleration of at least one motor vehicle of said plurality of motorvehicles, based on the information that is transmitted.

In some embodiments, said identifying a plurality of motor vehiclescomprises: identifying at least one motor vehicle that is within thegeographic area by detecting an identifier that is associated with themotor vehicle.

In further embodiments, said detecting comprises wirelessly detectingand said identifier comprises a code that is uniquely associated withthe motor vehicle.

In yet additional embodiments, said identifying a plurality of motorvehicles comprises: identifying the plurality of motor vehicles bywirelessly detecting, for each motor vehicle of the plurality of motorvehicles, a respective identifying code that is uniquely associatedtherewith.

In some embodiments, the geographic area is determined by a processorresponsive to a weather condition, a time-of-day and/or an event;wherein, in some embodiments, the event comprises an accident.

In further embodiments, the weather condition comprises rain, ice, snowand/or fog.

In yet other embodiments, said requesting data comprises wirelesslyrequesting data wherein the data being requested comprises a velocity, adirection of travel, an identity, data from a vehicular sensor and/ordata relating to a regulatory compliance.

According to additional embodiments, said transmitting informationcomprises wirelessly transmitting information; the informationcomprising a velocity to be achieved.

In accordance with yet more embodiments, said requesting data from atleast one motor vehicle of said plurality of motor vehicles comprisesrequesting data from each motor vehicle of said plurality of motorvehicles.

In some embodiments, said transmitting information comprisestransmitting to each motor vehicle of said plurality of motor vehicles acommand to increase a velocity thereof, to decrease the velocity thereofor to maintain the velocity thereof unchanged.

In other embodiments, said transmitting information comprisestransmitting to each motor vehicle of said plurality of motor vehicles acommand wirelessly and directly thereto and/or wirelessly and indirectlythereto.

In further embodiments, said indirectly comprises receiving by a firstmotor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles information from asecond motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles.

In yet additional embodiments, said receiving by the first motor vehicleinformation from the second motor vehicle occurs responsive to thesecond motor vehicle having received information from the system and/orresponsive to the first motor vehicle having ignored or not having actedupon information that has been transmitted thereto by the system oranother motor vehicle.

In some embodiments, said controlling a velocity and/or an accelerationcomprises controlling a first distance between a first motor vehicle ofthe plurality of motor vehicles and a second motor vehicle of theplurality of motor vehicles.

In yet more embodiments, said controlling a velocity and/or anacceleration further comprises controlling a second distance between athird motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles and a fourthmotor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles.

In accordance with additional embodiments, said first distance issubstantially equal to said second distance; whereas in accordance withother embodiments, said first distance is greater than said seconddistance. In accordance with yet additional embodiments, said firstdistance is less than said second distance.

In some embodiments, said controlling a velocity and/or an accelerationof at least one motor vehicle of said plurality of motor vehiclescomprises increasing a velocity of a first motor vehicle of theplurality of motor vehicles while decreasing a velocity of a secondmotor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles; whereas in accordancewith other embodiments, said controlling a velocity and/or anacceleration of at least one of said plurality of motor vehiclescomprises increasing a velocity of a first motor vehicle of theplurality of motor vehicles while also increasing a velocity of a secondmotor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles.

In accordance with additional embodiments, said transmitting informationto at least one motor vehicle comprises providing an option to said atleast one motor vehicle to elect to have its velocity and/oracceleration controlled by the system or not.

In some embodiments, said option that is provided to the at least onemotor vehicle is responsive to data received by the system from the atleast one motor vehicle indicating an acceptance by the at least onemotor vehicle to consider relinquishing control of velocity and/oracceleration thereof to the system.

In yet other embodiments, said identifying a plurality of motor vehiclesthat are within a geographic area comprises specifying the geographicarea; and causing at least one signal to be transmitted identifying aposition of each motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles.

In additional embodiments, said at least one signal identifying aposition of each motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles isreceived by the system from at least one motor vehicle of the pluralityof motor vehicles.

In further embodiments, the system receives said at least one signalfrom said at least one motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehiclesresponsive to the system having specified the geographic area and havingcaused said at least one motor vehicle to exchange data with at leastone other motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles.

In yet more embodiments, said at least one signal identifying a positionof each motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles is received bythe system from at least one smartphone that is associated with at leastone motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles.

In some embodiments, the system receives said at least one signal fromsaid at least one smartphone that is associated with said at least onemotor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles responsive to thesystem having specified the geographic area and having caused said atleast one smartphone that is associated with said at least one motorvehicle to exchange data with at least one other smartphone that isassociated with at least one other motor vehicle of the plurality ofmotor vehicles.

In other embodiments, said at least one signal identifying a position ofeach motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles is based uponprocessing of GPS signals.

In further embodiments, the operations further comprise causing apayment to be received from an account associated with a motor vehicleof the plurality of motor vehicles and/or from an account associatedwith an occupant of the motor vehicle responsive to the motor vehiclehaving been identified as being within the geographic area; wherein insome embodiments, said occupant of the motor vehicle is a driver of themotor vehicle.

Embodiments of methods analogous to the embodiments of systems may alsobe provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of co-polarization (“co-pol”) andcross-polarization (“X-Pol”) channel gains from a vertical polarizationnode “V” of a transmitter “Tx” to vertical “V” and horizontal “H”polarization nodes of a receiver “Rx”.

FIG. 1B is a schematic illustration of co-pol and X-Pol channel gainsfrom a horizontal polarization node “H” of a transmitter “Tx” tohorizontal “H” and vertical “V” polarization nodes of a receiver “Rx”.

FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of co-pol and X-Pol channel gainsfrom a vertical polarization node “V” of a receiver “Rx” to vertical “V”and horizontal “H” polarization nodes of a transmitter “Tx”.

FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of co-pol and X-Pol channel gainsfrom a horizontal polarization node “H” of a receiver “Rx” to horizontal“H” and vertical “V” polarization nodes of a transmitter “Tx”.

FIG. 3A is a schematic illustration of co-pol and X-Pol channel gainsfrom a vertical polarization node “V” of a transmitter “Tx” to vertical“V” and horizontal “H” polarization nodes of a receiver “Rx”; andfurther, is a schematic illustration of co-pol and X-Pol channel gainsfrom a horizontal polarization node “H” of the transmitter “Tx” to thehorizontal “H” and vertical “V” polarization nodes of the receiver “Rx”.

FIG. 3B is a schematic illustration of signal processing according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3C is a schematic illustration of systems/methods according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3D is a schematic illustration of systems/methods according tofurther embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3E is a schematic illustration of systems/methods according to yetadditional embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3F is a schematic illustration of antenna systems/methods accordingto embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3G is a schematic illustration of systems/methods according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of systems/methods according to furtherembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of systems/methods according to yet furtherembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a schematic illustration of a pencil beam antenna pattern.

FIG. 6B is a schematic illustration of a broad antenna pattern.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of vectors/phasors addingsubstantially in-phase and substantially out-of-phase.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of systems/methods according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of trajectory limiting according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of systems/methods according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of trajectory limiting according tofurther embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of trajectory limiting according toyet additional embodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 13A-13D are flowcharts illustrating operations of electronicdevices, according to some embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an electronic device, according to someembodiments of the present inventive concepts.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an example processor and memory that maybe used in accordance with embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts.

FIGS. 16-21 are schematic illustrations of systems/methods according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 22A and 22B are flowcharts illustrating communications operationsof devices, according to some embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts.

FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration of systems/methods according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of systems/methods according to some embodimentsof the present inventive concepts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Increasing Wireless Capacity by Using MultiplePolarizations

It is expected that wireless devices will continue to proliferate withincreasing connectivity therebetween. Accordingly, wireless traffic isexpected to increase as we have indeed entered an era of a substantiallywirelessly interconnected society. In light of this, it stands to reasonthat any and all available dimensions of signal/physical space thatsupport wireless communications must be utilized maximally. Thoseskilled in the art know that physical space provides two polarizationdimensions e.g., a first (vertical) polarization dimension and a second(horizontal) polarization dimension; wherein said first and secondpolarization dimensions may be orthogonal therebetween and may be usedby a wireless transmitter to convey respective first and secondinformation, over said first and second polarizations, respectively,devoid of interference therebetween (in ideal propagation conditionssuch as, for example, in free space), thus doubling a communicationscapacity and/or channel throughput for a given bandwidth being utilized.It is interesting, however, that dual polarizationtransmission/reception in mobile/cellular communications remains to dateunpracticed. Indeed, it is recognized that mobile/cellularcommunications channels are subject to many propagation anomalies thatcause such channels to deviate substantially from that of free spacecausing significant cross polarization interference. Such crosspolarization (“X-Pol”) interference may have indeed, to date,discouraged dual-polarization (“dual-pol”) transmission and/orreception.

The term “therebetween” as used herein means “with one another.” Forexample, the sentence “it is expected that wireless devices willcontinue to proliferate with increasing connectivity therebetween” means“it is expected that wireless devices will continue to proliferate withincreasing connectivity with one another.” Similarly, “orthogonaltherebetween” means orthogonal with one another and “devoid ofinterference therebetween” means devoid of interference with oneanother.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directlyconnected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may bepresent. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used herein includeswirelessly connected or coupled.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the inventiveconcepts. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly statedotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,”“comprises,” “including” and/or “comprising,” when used in thisspecification, specify the presence of stated features, steps,operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which these inventive concepts belong.It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined incommonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaningthat is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant artand the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealizedor overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

It will be understood that although terms such as “first” and “second”may be used herein to describe various elements and/or signals, theseelements/signals should not be limited by these terms. These terms areonly used to distinguish one element/signal from another element/signal.Thus, a first element/signal could be termed a second element/signal,and a second element/signal may be termed a first element/signal withoutdeparting from the teachings of the present inventive concepts, as willbe appreciated by those skilled in the art.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items. The symbol “/” may also beused as a shorthand notation for “and/or”. Further, as may be usedherein the term “DFT/FFT” refers to Discrete Fourier Transform and/orFast Fourier Transform and may include any other Fourier transform,discrete and/or otherwise. The term IDFT/IFFT as may be used hereinrefers to Inverse Discrete Fourier Transform and/or Inverse Fast FourierTransform and may include any other inverse Fourier transform, discreteand/or otherwise.

As used herein, the term “transmitter”, “receiver” and/or “transceiver”include(s) transmitters/receivers of cellular and/or satellite terminalswith or without a multi-line display; smartphones and/or PersonalCommunications System (PCS) terminals that may include data processing,facsimile and/or data communications capabilities; Personal DigitalAssistants (PDA) that can include a radio frequency transceiver and/or apager, Internet/Intranet access, Web browser, organizer, calendar and/ora Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver; and/or conventional laptopand/or palmtop computers or other appliances, which include a radiofrequency transmitter and/or receiver. As used herein, the term“transmitter”, “receiver” and/or “transceiver” also include(s) any otherradiator and/or receptor of electromagnetic energy, man-made and/ornaturally occurring, that may have time-varying and/or fixed geographiccoordinates and/or may be portable, transportable, installed in avehicle (aeronautical, maritime, or land-based) and/orsituated/configured to operate locally and/or in a distributed fashionon earth, in vehicles (land-mobile, maritime and/or aeronautical) and/orin space. A transmitter/receiver may also may be referred to herein as a“transceiver,” “base station,” “access point,” “device,” “mobiledevice,” “wireless device,” “radiating device,” “receiving device,”“terminal,” “radioterminal,” “smartphone” and/or simply as a “phone”.

It will be understood that the term “substantially overlaps” as usedherein means that a first set/interval (that is being compared with/to asecond set/interval), overlaps with the second set/interval, but theremay be a portion thereof such as, for example, at a beginning, an endand/or elsewhere thereat that may not overlap with the secondset/interval. For example, if a first event occurs over a first intervalof time, for example, from 6 AM to 10 AM, and a second event occurs overa second interval of time, for example, from 7 AM to 11 AM, then it maybe said that the second event substantially overlaps in time with thefirst event and/or that the first event substantially overlaps in timewith the second event. It may also be said that the first and secondevents are “substantially congruent/concurrent in time”. Further, theterm “substantially differ” as used herein means that two or more sets(such as, for example, two or more sets of frequencies) that are beingreferenced or compared therebetween comprise mutually exclusive elementstherebetween (such as, for example, comprising mutually exclusivefrequencies therebetween) but may also comprise some elements (e.g.,some frequencies) that are common therebetween. For example, a first setof frequencies comprising frequencies from, for example, 1 GHz to 3.1GHz and a second set of frequencies comprising frequencies, for example,from 3 GHz to 5 GHz substantially differ therebetween. In general, theterm “substantially” as used herein means “to a great extent, if notentirely or totally”.

Inventive concepts will now be described relating to various embodimentsof a receiver/transmitter that may enable a wireless communicationssystem and/or method to use dual polarization transmission and/orreception in order to increase a communications capacity, reliabilityand/or throughput thereof. Accordingly, first information may betransmitted using a first polarization and a given set of frequenciesand second information, that may be independent from the firstinformation, may be transmitted, concurrently in time with the firstinformation, using a second polarization and the given set offrequencies. The second polarization may be different from the firstpolarization, and the second information may be transmitted concurrentlyin time, and co-frequency, with said first information. As used herein,the term “co-frequency” refers to first and second communications and torespective first and second frequencies associated therewith that atleast partially overlap therebetween. For example, first and secondsignals may be transmitted via the same frequency/frequency band, or thefirst signal may be transmitted via a first frequency band that overlapsa portion of a second frequency band via which the second signal istransmitted (where each frequency band comprises a set of frequencies).In some embodiments, the first and second polarizations may beorthogonal therebetween and may provide two independent and/or uncoupled(or decoupled) channels over which respective first and secondinformation may be transmitted and/or received, substantiallyconcurrently in time/space therebetween and co-frequency therebetween,devoid of interference from one into the other (i.e., devoid ofinterference therebetween). In practice, the first and secondpolarizations may not be orthogonal and/or one or more propagationanomalies such as, for example, reflection(s) and/or fading, may causethe first and second polarizations to deviate from being orthogonal.Such a deviation from orthogonality may cause coupling and/orinterference between the two respective polarization channels associatedtherewith. Accordingly, an adaptive receiver operating in accordancewith, for example, a Zero-Forcing (“ZF”) algorithm and/or a LeastMean-Squared Error (“LMSE”) algorithm may be used to reduce saidcoupling and/or interference. Instead of, or in combination with, anadaptive receiver, as discussed above, an adaptive transmitter may beused to pre-distort information of the first polarization with that ofthe second (and/or vice versa) in such a way as to allow saidpropagation anomalies to at least partially undo or cancel saidpre-distortion. This approach may, in some embodiments, reduce a thermalnoise increase.

FIG. 1A illustrates a channel comprising two polarizations, labeled inFIG. 1A as “V” and “H”. In some embodiments, the label “V” may denotevertical and the label “H” may denote horizontal. In general, however, Vdenotes a first polarization and H denotes a second polarization. Atransmitter, indicated by “Tx” in FIG. 1A, may be configured to performvarious functions/operations comprising launching/transmitting a firstsignal over the first polarization V, and a second signal over thesecond polarization H. A receiver, indicated by “Rx” in FIG. 1A, may beconfigured to perform various functions/operations comprising receivinga first signal over a first polarization thereof and receiving a secondsignal over a second polarization thereof. Such receiver polarizationsmay also be labeled as “V” and “H,” respectively, per the labels used bythe transmitter Tx for the two respective polarizations thereof. It willbe understood however that a transmitter polarization labelled as “V”may not comprise the same physical orientation as that of a receiverpolarization similarly labelled.

In some embodiments, the transmitter Tx may transmit the first andsecond signals to the receiver Rx via a cellular wireless communicationslink. For example, the transmitter Tx and the receiver Rx may be asmartphone and a cellular base station, respectively. Alternatively, thereceiver Rx may be a smartphone, and the transmitter Tx may be acellular base station.

Still referring to FIG. 1A, it is illustrated therein that, responsiveto the transmitter Tx having launched a signal χ over a polarization V,the receiver Rx receives α_(VV)χ on its V polarization port and receivesα_(VH)χ on its H polarization port. It will be understood that channelcoefficients α_(VV) and α_(VH) may, in general, be complex valued aswill be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Moreover, the channelcoefficients α_(VV) and α_(VH) relate to co-pol (i.e., co-polarization)and cross-pol (i.e., cross-polarization) channel gain/attenuation,respectively. As used herein in the context of coefficients, the term“relate to” (or “relates to”) refers to a coefficient characterizing (ordefining) an aspect of a channel such as, for example, again/attenuation, amplitude/magnitude and/or phase thereof, that may befrequency dependent. That is, a channel coefficient, such as, forexample, the coefficient α_(VV) and/or α_(VH), may comprise afrequency-dependent aspect in its, for example, magnitude and/or phasecharacteristic, particularly in embodiments comprising afrequency-selective fading channel, such as may be the case, forexample, in the context of a cellular communications system/method, aswill be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

As used herein, the term “co-polarization” (or “co-pol”) refers to acommunication (or transmission) between a vertical polarization port Vof a transmitter Tx and a vertical polarization port V of a receiver Rx,or a communication (or transmission) between a horizontal polarizationport H of a transmitter Tx and a horizontal polarization port H of areceiver Rx. “Cross-polarization” (or “cross-pol”), on the other hand,refers to interference between different polarizations. For example, theterm cross-polarization may refer to a communications leakage (orcommunications interference) between a vertical polarization port V of atransmitter Tx and a horizontal polarization port H of a receiver Rx, ora communications leakage (or communications interference) between ahorizontal polarization port H of a transmitter Tx and a verticalpolarization port V of a receiver Rx.

FIG. 1B illustrates that, responsive to the transmitter Tx havinglaunched a signal y over its H polarization port the receiver Rxreceives a cross-pol signal β_(HV)Y on its V polarization port andreceives a co-pol signal β_(HH)Y on its H polarization port. It will beunderstood that channel coefficients β_(HV) and β_(HH) may, in general,be complex valued as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The first signal χ may comprise first data that comprises a statisticalindependence relative to second data of the second signal y. As usedherein, the term “statistical independence” is to be interpreted inaccordance with the mathematical definition thereof that may be found intexts of probability, random variables and stochastic processes known tothose skilled in the art. As such, the term statistical independence mayrefer to first and second data that include different information thatis independent therebetween (e.g., values of the second data are notinfluenced/dictated by values of the first data). For example, the firstand second data may comprise different first and second portions of anelectronic file, respectively, such as different (e.g., non-overlapping)portions of an electronic file (e.g., an audio/video file).

Transmissions illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B may be referred to asforward link transmissions, while transmissions illustrated in FIGS. 2Aand 2B may be referred to as return link transmissions. Similar to FIGS.1A and 1B, FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate launching/transmitting of signals(i.e., launching/transmitting of return link signals) from polarizationports V and H of what is labeled as Rx in FIGS. 2A and 2B. It will beunderstood, however, that in FIGS. 1A through 2B, that which is labeledas a receiver Rx may also include a transmitter Tx and that which islabeled as a transmitter Tx may also include a receiver Rx. Stateddifferently, in FIGS. 1A through 2B, that which is labeled as Tx or Rxmay, in accordance with some embodiments, be a transceiver Tx/Rx,comprising both transmit and receive capability. It will be understoodthat each of the channel coefficients defined in FIGS. 2A and 2B (i.e.,γ_(VV), γ_(VH), δ_(HH), δ_(HV)) may, in general, be complex valued.

According to some embodiments, such as, for example, Time DivisionDuplex (“TDD”) embodiments, α_(VV) may be equal to, or may beapproximately equal to, γ_(VV). Further, in such TDD embodiments α_(VH)may be equal to, or may be approximately equal to, δ_(HV). Similarly, inTDD embodiments, β_(HH) may be equal to, or may be approximately equalto, δ_(HH); and β_(HV) may be equal to, or may be approximately equalto, γ_(VH). Values associated with the various channel coefficients thatare defined in FIGS. 1A through 2B may be determined/estimated usingtechniques known to those skilled in the art such as, for example, theuse of pilot tones/signals. It will be understood that TDD refers totransmitting and receiving over different time intervals that aremutually exclusive (i.e., do not overlap therebetween) or may overlappartially therebetween. The term TDD also refers to using a first set offrequencies for transmitting and a second set of frequencies forreceiving wherein, in some embodiments, the second set of frequenciesmay comprise all, or at least some, of the first set of frequencies. Insome embodiments, the second set of frequencies may comprise at leastsome frequencies of the first set of frequencies and may furthercomprise frequencies that are mutually exclusive to the first set offrequencies. In other embodiments, all of the second set of frequenciesmay be mutually exclusive to the first set of frequencies (i.e., theremay be no overlap between the second set of frequencies and the firstset of frequencies).

FIG. 3A illustrates transmitting by a Transmitter Tx a signal χ+ξy on afirst polarization thereof that may be a vertical polarization, or anyother polarization, and may be labeled as V, and transmitting a signal yon a second polarization thereof that may be a horizontal polarization,or any other polarization (other than the first polarization), and maybe labeled as H. The signal y may be independent of, unrelated to and/oruncorrelated to the signal χ. The coefficient ξ may be complex valuedand may serve to pre-distort (or, as may be thought of, topre-contaminate) χ by a function of y so as to substantially undo (orpartially undo or compensate for) cross polarization interference thatmay be introduced by one or more channel/propagation anomalies such asreflections, fading, water vapor and/or any other anomaly of thechannel/propagation. Still referring to FIG. 3A, a Receiver Rx mayreceive a signal X on a first polarization thereof (that may, in someembodiments, be defined by a spatial orientation of a first antenna ofthe Receiver Rx, that may be a linearly polarized first antenna inaccordance with some embodiments), responsive to the Transmitter Txhaving transmitted said signals (χ+ξy) and y over the two respectivefirst and second polarizations thereof, as discussed. The Receiver Rxmay also receive a signal Y on a second polarization thereof (that may,in some embodiments, be defined by a spatial orientation of a secondantenna of the Receiver Rx, that may differ in spatial orientation fromsaid first antenna and may be a linearly polarized second antennaaccording to some embodiments).

In some embodiments, the Receiver Rx, which may comprise a receiver of acellular system, may receive the signal X and the signal Y, over achannel comprising, for example, time-varying, dispersive,multipath-fading characteristics. Such a channel may comprise amagnitude/gain response that fluctuates with time (increasing over afirst interval of time and then, decreasing over a second interval oftime or vice versa; e.g., fading) due to such a channel allowing aplurality of signal paths to arrive at the Receiver Rx. Because ofchannel variations with time, the plurality of signals of said signalpaths sometimes add constructively therebetween, thus resulting in anup-fade, while at other times add destructively therebetween, resultingin a down-fade. Accordingly, such a channel is termed a fading channelby those skilled in the art. A fading channel may also display a phasevs. frequency characteristic that deviates from a linear relationship.The term “dispersive,” as used herein, means that the magnitude/gainfluctuations of a fading channel may be characterized asfrequency-dependent; i.e., are different for different frequencies, andthe phase vs. frequency characteristic of the channel deviates frombeing linear. Such a channel may be termed a dispersive fading channel.Cellular communications channels comprise dispersive fadingcharacteristics. Accordingly, over a frequency span of a spectrum of asignal, a set of coefficients that may be used to characterize adispersive fading channel may change in value such that first and secondspectral components of said spectrum of a signal (that may be formed andtransmitted by a transmitter Tx to the receiver Rx in accordance withsome embodiments of the present invention) may depend upon respectivefirst and second sets of channel coefficients that differ therebetween.Stated differently, in some embodiments, a transmitter Tx (that may be atransmitter Tx of a cellular communications system) may use respectivefirst and second different sets of channel coefficients in forming asignal that is to be transmitted to the receiver Rx via a fadingdispersive channel. The transmitter Tx may form the signal in afrequency-domain such as, for example, in a Discrete Fourier Transform(“DFT”) domain or in a Fast Fourier Transform (“FFT”) domain and then,use an Inverse DFT operation (“IDFT”) or an Inverse FFT (“IFFT”)operation to bring/convert/transform the signal from saidfrequency-domain into a discrete-time domain and to subsequentlytransmit the signal over the fading dispersive channel for reception andpotentially further processing by the receiver Rx. It will be understoodthat, in some embodiments, the signal is transmitted by the transmitterTx following additional processing by the transmitter Tx (and/or by aprocessor associated therewith). Said additional processing may bedistributed over a plurality of stages/sections of the transmitter Tx;wherein the additional processing may comprise operations of filtering,amplification and/or up-conversion, not necessarily in that order. Itwill also be understood that a set of channel coefficients, as usedherein, comprises a number of channel coefficients that is greater thanor equal to one and that, in some embodiments, said processor that isassociated with the transmitter Tx (and in some embodiments is anintegral part of the transmitter Tx) is used to perform said IDFT and/orIFFT. It will also be understood that said transmitter Tx comprises atransmitter of a cellular communications system. Accordingly, in someembodiments, the transmitter Tx comprises a transmitter of a smartphone,a transmitter of a tablet, a transmitter of a lap-top computer (e.g.,personal computer), a transmitter of a base station or a transmitter ofany other device that is capable of providing communications in acellular system.

Still referring to FIG. 3A we may write:

X=α _(VV)(χ+ξy)+β_(HV) y=α _(VV) λ+y(ξα_(VV)+β_(HV)); and

Y=β _(HH) y+α _(VH)(χ+ξy)=y(ξα_(VH)+β_(HH))+α_(VH)χ.

Setting ξ=−β_(HV)/α_(VV) and multiplying X by 1/α_(VV) (as illustratedin FIG. 3B) yields χ at the Receiver Rx.

Next, multiplying χ at the Receiver Rx by α_(VH) (as illustrated in FIG.3B) and then subtracting the result from Y, followed by multiplicationby α_(VV)/(α_(VV)β_(HH)−α_(VH)β_(HV)), as is illustrated in FIG. 3B,yields y at the Receiver Rx. Accordingly, first and second functions ofrespective first and second signals, that may be independent of oneanother (such as χ and y may be independent of one another) may betransmitted by a Transmitter Tx, substantiallysimultaneously/concurrently in time therebetween and may further betransmitted substantially co-frequency therebetween, over respectivefirst and second spatial polarizations of Transmitter Tx, following apre-distortion (or pre-contamination) by the Transmitter Tx of at leastone of said first and second signals (e.g., a pre-contamination of χ inthis example) by a component or function of the other (e.g., by ξy inthis example).

As those skilled in the art may appreciate, an amplitude (or magnitude)of a channel coefficient such as, for example, α_(VV) (or any otherchannel coefficient) may be less than unity owing to attenuation/fadingand/or any other characteristic(s) associated with the propagationchannel and/or propagation itself. Accordingly, in some embodiments,such as, for example, in Time Domain Duplex (“TDD”) embodiments or inany other embodiment that need not be TDD-based, wherein α_(VV) (as wellas any other channel coefficient(s)) may be known to the Transmitter Tx,χ may be pre-distorted (or pre-conditioned) at the Transmitter Tx bymultiplying, for example, χ by an inverse of α_(VV) and/or otherfunction of α_(VV), α_(VH), β_(HV) and/or β_(HH) in order to avoid (orminimize) processing of χ at the Receiver Rx that may enhance or amplifya thermal noise (and/or interference) content thereof at the ReceiverRx. Accordingly, the signal on the V port of Transmitter Tx of FIG. 3A,may, for example, become (χ/α_(VV))+ξy while the signal on the H port ofTransmitter Tx may, for example, remain y. As such, the signal X at theReceiver Rx may become:

X=α _(VV)(χ/α_(VV) +ξy)+β_(HV) y=χ+y(β_(HV)+ξα_(VV)).

Letting ξ=−β_(HV)/α_(VV), yields X=χ. Having thus derived χ and havingavoided noise and/or interference enhancement on χ, by having performedprocessing associated therewith at the Transmitter Tx and having avoidedpost-processing associated therewith at the Receiver Rx, χ may be used(or a regenerated version of χ may be used) to derive y from Y withoutenhancing or amplifying substantially a thermal noise (and/orinterference) content thereof. It may be shown that:

Y=α _(VH)(χ/α_(VV) +ξy)+β_(HH) y=χ(α_(VH)/α_(VV))+y(β_(HH)+ξα_(VH)).

Accordingly, using knowledge of χ (or the regenerated version of χ) atthe Receiver Rx and using knowledge of coefficients α_(VH) and α_(VV),at the Receiver Rx, χ(α_(VH)/α_(VV)) may be formed and subtracted fromY, followed by division of the result by (β_(HH)+ξα_(VH)); whereinξ=−β_(HV)/α_(VV). As used herein, the term “regenerated” (or“regenerate” or “regenerating”) refers to a version of data that isgenerated by making a decision on a version of that data comprisingnoise (e.g., thermal noise) and/or interference (e.g., cross-polinterference). By regenerating data, noise and/or interference can bereduced/eliminated.

Further to all of the above, and still referring to FIG. 3A, it may beshown that by letting the signal on the V port of Transmitter Tx be(χ′+ξy′) and the signal on the H port of Transmitter Tx be (y′+λχ′),

wherein χ′=χ[β_(HH)/(α_(VV)−β_(HV)α_(VH))], andy′=[α_(VV)/(β_(HH)−β_(HV)α_(VH))];

wherein τ=−β_(HV)/α_(VV), and λ=−α_(VH)/β_(HH); and

wherein χ and y comprise/represent respective first and second signals(as previously stated and defined), that the Transmitter Tx intends toconvey to the Receiver Rx substantially concurrently in timetherebetween and substantially co-frequency therebetween by transmittingconcurrently in time and co-frequency therebetween first and secondfunctions of χ and y over respective first and second spatialpolarizations associated with Transmitter Tx and/or a propagationmedium/channel. Accordingly, subject to the above, it may be shown thatat the Receiver Rx, X=χ and Y=y. We observe that in such embodiments, aprocessing level at the Transmitter Tx is increased, while reducing aprocessing level at the Receiver Rx, providing a reduction innoise/interference enhancement at the Receiver Rx, particularly undercertain ill-conditioned channel and/or propagation conditions as mayexist in cellular/mobile communications in an urban, suburban and/orrural setting. Further, it is observed that at least one of thedenominator terms of the expression that define y′ and/or χ′ above may,under certain channel/propagation conditions become small or even zero.Accordingly, the Transmitter Tx may be equipped with a monitor that maybe configured to monitor an amplitude/magnitude of (α_(VV)−β_(HV)α_(VH))and/or an amplitude/magnitude of (β_(HH)−β_(HV)α_(VH)). Responsive to anamplitude/magnitude of the quantity (α_(VV)−β_(HV)α_(VH)) and/or(β_(HH)−β_(HV)α_(VH)) being detected by the monitor as being below athreshold or approaching the threshold, the monitor may, according tosome embodiments, inform the Transmitter Tx (e.g., and/or a processorassociated therewith) to alter a configuration of V and/or H antennasbeing used by Transmitter Tx. This altering of a configuration of Vand/or H antennas being used by Transmitter Tx is further discussedlater in reference to FIG. 3F.

Thus, a Transmitter Tx may use one or more channel coefficients, such asthe channel coefficients illustrated in FIG. 3A, that may relate tovarious channel gains, or channel attenuations, (that may be complexchannel gains/attenuations), and may be associated withdual-polarization propagation and/or interference associated therewith,to pre-process or to pre-distort (or to pre-contaminate) at least onefirst signal that is to be launched by the Transmitter Tx on a firstpolarization thereof and further, to launch by said transmitter Tx atleast one second signal on a second polarization thereof, substantiallyconcurrently in time with said at least one first signal andsubstantially co-frequency with said at least one first signal, followedby, in some embodiments, by a post-processing of at least one firstsignal that is received at a Receiver Rx; said post-processingcomprising multiplications and/or additions with one or more channelcoefficients that may relate to said dual-polarization propagationand/or interference associated therewith, in order to derive and/orregenerate a desired signal χ and a desired signal y, at said ReceiverRx. In other embodiments, said post-processing at the Receiver Rx is notnecessary.

Relative to that which is illustrated in FIG. 3A and described above, itwill be understood that, in some embodiments, instead of the above, orin addition to the above, ξ may be set to −β_(HH)/α_(VH) and then, Y maybe divided by α_(VH) to yield χ. Further, it will be understood thatinstead of providing the signal χ+ξy on the V port of the Transmitter Txand providing the signal y on the H port of the Transmitter Tx, as isillustrated in FIG. 3A, the signal y+ξχ may be provided on the H port ofthe Transmitter Tx and the signal χ may be provided on the V port ofsaid Transmitter Tx. Such signal provisions may be shown to yield:

X=α _(VV)χ+β_(HV)(y+ξχ)=χ(α_(VV)+ξβ_(HV))+β_(HV) y; and

Y=α _(VH)χ+β_(HH)(y+ξχ)=β_(HH) y+χ(α_(VH)+β_(HH)ξ).

Given the immediately above equations, letting ξ=−α_(VV)/β_(HV) andmultiplying X by 1/β_(HV) may yield y at the Receiver Rx. Next, at theReceiver Rx, multiplying y (or a regenerated version thereof) by β_(HH)and then subtracting the result from Y, followed by multiplication byβ_(HV)/(α_(VH)β_(HV)−α_(VV)β_(HH)), may yield χ at the receiver Rx(which may then be used to derive at the Receiver Rx a regeneratedversion of χ). It will be understood that in accordance with someembodiments, instead of letting ξ=−α_(VV)/β_(HV), or in conjunction withletting ξ=−α_(VV)/β_(HV) in some embodiments, ξ may be set to−α_(VH)/β_(HH) yielding Y=β_(HH)y, which may then be used to yield yafter division thereof with β_(HH). Then, y (or a regenerated versionthereof) may be used following multiplication by β_(HV) to deriveχ(α_(VV)+β_(HV)) by subtracting β_(HV)y from X. Finally,χ(α_(VV)+ξβ_(HV)) may be divided by (α_(VV)+ξβ_(HV)), whereinξ=−α_(VH)/β_(HH), to yield χ.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the statement “inconjunction with letting ξ=−α_(VV)/β_(HV) in some embodiments, ξ may beset to −α_(VH)/β_(HH) yielding Y=β_(HH)y, which may then be used toyield y after division thereof with β_(HH),” and other teachings similarto the above, provide a three-prong approach and/or three alternativesto deriving x and y at the Receiver Rx:

(1) Deriving χ and y by using ξ=−α_(VV)/β_(HV);(2) Deriving χ and y by using ξ=−α_(VH)/β_(HH); and(3) Deriving χ and y by using ξ=−α_(VV)/β_(HV) and usingξ=−α_(VH)/β_(HH).Approach/alternative (3) allows for a comparison to be made followingderivation of χ and y (and/or regenerated values associated therewith)using the two values of ξ, thus providing a redundancyprotection/assurance/confidence in accordance with some embodiments. Insome embodiments, a first portion of spectrum (e.g., a first subcarrierof an OFDM/OFDMA carrier) may be processed using one value of (e.g.,ξ=−α_(VV)/β_(HV)) while a second portion of the spectrum (e.g., a secondsubcarrier of the OFDM/OFDMA carrier) may be processed using a secondvalue of ξ (e.g., ξ=−α_(VH)/β_(HH)). Alternatively, or in combinationwith the above, in some embodiments a transmitter may alternate in usingthe two stated values of ξ. That is, in some embodiments, over a firstinterval of time the transmitter uses ξ=−α_(VV)/β_(HV) and over a secondinterval of time the transmitter uses ξ=−α_(VH)/β_(HH). Same holds forany other parameter (other than ξ) that may be available to, and usedby, the transmitter where a choice of more than one value for saidparameter is available to the transmitter. In some embodiments, each ofthe first and second interval of time comprises only one signalinginterval. Further, in some embodiments, said first and second intervalsof time are adjacent or successive intervals of time.

Further embodiments of inventive concepts that relate todual-polarization transmission will now be described. These furtherembodiments comprise using what may be labeled as auxiliary or slavedevices, as will now be described. In reference to FIG. 3C, a firstdevice that may, for example, comprise a smartphone, may intend totransmit information to a second device that may, for example, comprisea base station (e.g., a cellular base station). Still referring to FIG.3C, the first device is labeled as a Master (“M”) and the base stationis labeled as BTS. Further, two Slave devices, labeled as S1 and S2,respectively, are illustrated in FIG. 3C as being proximate to the firstdevice M so that M may become aware of a presence, and proximity to M,of S1 and S2 by, for example, detecting by M respective first and secondshort-range signals that may be radiated by S1 and S2 over respectiveshort-range links SRL1 and SRL2 (as illustrated in FIG. 3C); detectingby S1 and/or S2 a short-range signal being radiated by M; by having M beinformed by the BTS of respective first and second locations associatedwith S1 and S2 and/or by having M be informed by the BTS of respectivefirst and second distances from M associated with S1 and S2. As usedherein, the term “proximate to” refers to a distance of up to about 10meters or up to about 100 meters. For example, a master M that isproximate to a slave S1 and/or a slave S2 may communicate therebetweenvia a BLUETOOTH® or Wi-Fi communications link. In some embodiments, S1and/or S2 may be closer to M than the BTS is to M. It will be understoodthat according to some embodiments, the BTS comprises position knowledgeof at least some of the devices such as, devices M, S1 and S2 that arewithin a service region of the BTS.

In some embodiments, a slave device, such as S1, may comprise asmartphone or comprise a device (e.g., a tablet computer, laptopcomputer, etc.) that comprises smartphone functionality. In someembodiments, a slave device such as S1 (whether the slave devicecomprises a smartphone or not) may comprise a Radio Frequency (“RF”)stage that may comprise a transmit/receive antenna, an Analog-to-Digital(“A/D”) converter, a Digital Signal Processor (“DSP”), memory, aDigital-to-Analog (“D/A”) converter, a Low-Noise Amplifier (“LNA”),filtering, a Power Amplifier (“PA”) and/or a mixer; an IntermediateFrequency (“IF”) stage that may comprise an A/D converter, a D/Aconverter, amplification, filtering and/or mixing; and/or a Base Band(“BB”) stage that may comprise an A/D converter, a D/A converter,amplification, filtering, mixing, memory and/or signal processing thatmay comprise a FFT/IFFT operation, arithmetic operations such as thoseidentified in FIG. 3B, addition, subtraction, multiplication and/ordivision, estimation/regeneration of data, reformatting of data,equalization, predistortion and/or retransmission of data. Not allstages mentioned above need be present in some embodiments. For example,the IF stage may be bypassed in some embodiments by receiving a signalat RF and converting said signal received at RF directly to BB, as thoseskilled in the art will appreciate. Any operations performed within astage need not be in the order identified above nor must all operationsidentified above for a particular stage be performed within that stage;in some embodiments, some operations, as associated above with aparticular stage, may not be performed within that particular stage (oranywhere else) or may be performed within a stage other than saidparticular stage. Further, if a stage has been bypassed (such as in theexample above where the IF stage is bypassed) operations associatedtherewith may be performed in a remaining stage. It will be understoodthat not all operations identified above with any one stage must bepresent and/or be performed within that stage. Some operationsidentified with a first stage (e.g., RF) may be performed within asecond stage (e.g., BB), or not at all.

It will be understood that the term “processor”, “signal processor” or“digital signal processor” as used herein may denote any subsystem thatis part of a system and is configured to control the system or a portionthereof. Stated differently, a system may comprise a first subsystem anda second subsystem wherein the first subsystem comprises a processorthat is configured to control the second subsystem (and even the firstsubsystem, in some embodiments) to perform certain functions that maycomprise one or more predetermined functions. The processor may comprisememory that may comprise a priori stored instructions (e.g., lines ofcode) that may be executed in some predetermined sequence and used, insome embodiments, in conjunction with other inputs to the system, tocontrol the system to perform certain functions that may comprise apredetermined set of functions. For example, the processor may comprisea DSP or a plurality of DSPs that may be coupled or connectedtherebetween in order to exchange and/or coordinate information. TheProcessor, for example, may be configured to examine a content of asignal being received by an antenna of the system and, responsive to thecontent, may demodulate, regenerate, reformat, distribute over first andsecond polarizations of a transmitter of the system and/or retransmitsaid signal being received (or at least a measure, or a content,thereof). More specifically, in embodiments comprising one or moresmartphones, those skilled in the art know how one or more processorsmay be configured within the smartphone and/or external to thesmartphone and used to control the smartphone (and/or other devices thatthe smartphone may be communicating with) to perform functions that maycomprise a priori determined/defined (i.e., predetermined) functions.Accordingly, processors and/or structures associated therewith, asrelating to cellular systems (e.g., smartphones, base stations, etc.)are known to those skilled in the art and need not be described furtherherein.

In some embodiments, SRL1 and/or SRL2 comprise one or more signals thatuse unlicensed and/or licensed frequencies. In some embodiments, thelicensed frequencies comprise frequencies that are licensed and/or usedfor terrestrial cellular communications and/or frequencies licensedand/or used for satellite communications; e.g., space-to-Earth and/orEarth-to-space communications using, for example, frequencies of anL-band comprising frequencies within an interval from about 1525 MHz toabout 1660 MHz. In some embodiments, frequencies used by signals on SRL1differ from frequencies used by signals on SRL2; in other embodiments,the frequencies used by SRL1 and SRL2 at least partially overlap. Insome embodiments signals on SRL1 and SRL2 occur over respective timeintervals that are mutually exclusive; in other embodiments, the timeintervals at least partially overlap. In some embodiments, signals onSRL1 and/or SRL2 comprise singular polarizations (e.g., are singularlypolarized). For example, M may transmit to S1 using a first singlepolarization and/or M may transmit to S2 using a second singlepolarization; wherein the first and/or second single polarization maycomprise at least one of a Vertical (“V”) polarization and a Horizontal(“H”) polarization. In other embodiments, signals on SRL1 and/or SRL2comprise a circular polarization. Any combination or sub-combination ofthe above is possible.

Still referring to FIG. 3C, it is seen that an exchange of informationmay take place between M and S1 and between M and S2. Said exchange ofinformation between M and S1 and between M and S2 may comprise abi-directional exchange of information in order to transfer a signalfrom M to S1 and/or from S1 to M and from M to S2 and/or from S2 to M.Signals that are relayed from M to S1 and/or from M to S2 may then berelayed by S1 and/or S2, respectively, to the BTS. Relaying by S1 and byS2 to the BTS may occur substantially concurrently therebetween in timeand/or substantially co-frequency therebetween. It will be understoodthat in addition to the above, other information exchange, that may alsobe bi-directional between M and S1 and/or between M and S2 may, forexample, comprise pilot signals for the purpose of estimating channelcoefficients associated with links SRL1 and/or SRL2, as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

Still referring to FIG. 3C, it may be seen that M may communicate withthe BTS indirectly, via S1 and/or S2, by first transmitting informationto S1 and/or S2, via respective short-range links SRL1 and/or SRL2,followed by S1 and/or S2 relaying the information to the BTS, viarespective long-range links LRL1 and/or LRL2, following processing ofthe information by S1 and/or S2, in some embodiments. In someembodiments one of S1 and S2 may not be present or may not be required.Let's assume, for example, that S2 is not present or is not required. Insuch embodiments, M may communicate directly with the BTS. That is,subject to the assumption that S2 is not present or is not required, thelink LRL2 of FIG. 3C may span the distance from M to the BTS (i.e., thelink LRL2 may be established directly between M and the BTS); M may alsouse S1, as discussed earlier, to communicate with the BTS indirectly bysending information to S1 via link SRL1 followed by S1 relaying theinformation that it has received from M to the BTS via LRL1.

Still referring to FIG. 3C, information from M may be sent to S1 overlink SRL1 during a first interval of time, and/or information from M maybe sent to S2 over link SRL2 during a second interval of time.Information from S1 may be sent to the BTS over link LRL1 during a thirdinterval of time, and/or information from S2 may be sent to the BTS overlink LRL2 during a fourth interval of time. According to someembodiments, the first interval of time may be substantiallycongruent/concurrent in time with the second interval of time (i.e., thefirst interval of time substantially overlaps with the second intervalof time) and the third interval of time may be substantiallycongruent/concurrent in time with the fourth interval of time (i.e., thethird interval of time substantially overlaps with the fourth intervalof time); the third interval of time may be substantially devoid ofbeing congruent/concurrent in time with the first interval of timeand/or with the second interval of time; the fourth interval of time maybe substantially devoid of being congruent/concurrent in time with thefirst interval of time and/or with the second interval of time;frequencies used to establish SRL1 and transmit information from M to S1via SRL1 comprise frequencies that substantially differ from frequenciesused to establish SRL2 and transmit information from M to S2 via SRL2;frequencies used to establish SRL1 and transmit information from M to S1via SRL1 comprise unlicensed frequencies and/or frequencies licensedand/or used for satellite communications; frequencies used to establishSRL2 and transmit information from M to S2 via SRL2 comprise unlicensedfrequencies and/or frequencies licensed and/or used for satellitecommunications; frequencies used to establish LRL1 and transmitinformation from S1 to the BTS using LRL1 comprise licensed frequenciesand frequencies used to establish LRL2 and transmit information from S2to the BTS using LRL2 comprise licensed frequencies; links LRL1 and LRL2comprise respective first and second signals that are transmittedsubstantially co-frequency therebetween and further, are transmittedsubstantially simultaneously in time therebetween by S1 and S2; each oneof links SRL1 and SRL2 comprises a linearly polarized signal; and eachone of links SRL1 and SRL2 comprises a signal that is transmitted by Mover a single polarization (i.e., each one of links SRL1 and SRL2 isdevoid of first and second independent signals being transmitted by M onrespective first and second polarizations that may be substantiallyorthogonal therebetween). It is noted that given the short range oflinks SRL1 and/or SRL2, dual polarization transmission from M to S1and/or from M to S2 may not be necessary. That is, all information thatM needs to send to S1 and/or S2 may be sent using a single polarization.However, dual polarization transmission over the long-range links LRL1and/or LRL2 may be necessary/beneficial in order to, for example,satisfy bandwidth efficiency concerns over these long-range links. Forexample, dual polarization transmission may provide increased (e.g.,doubled) transmission capability relative to transmitting over a singlepolarization.

Further embodiments may be based on combinations, sub-combinationsand/or variations of the above. For example, frequencies used by theshort-range links SRL1 and/or SRL2 may comprise frequencies that arelicensed and/or used for terrestrial cellular communications and, insome embodiments, links SRL1 and SRL2 may further comprise unlicensedfrequencies and/or frequencies licensed and/or used for satellitecommunications. In some embodiments, signals launched on short-rangelinks SRL1 and/or SRL2 by M may comprise a circular polarization thatmay be a Right-Hand Circular Polarization (“RHCP”) or a Left-HandCircular Polarization (“LHCP”). In further embodiments, dual-Poltransmission, using any one of the techniques described above (or anycombination thereof), may be used by M to convey information to S1(i.e., to convey to S1 signals χ and y) over a first interval of time.Accordingly, for example, M may transmit (χ+ξy) on a V polarizationthereof and further, M may transmit y on a H polarization thereof, aspreviously discussed in reference to FIG. 3A. At S1, based on theprocessing illustrated in FIG. 3B, for example, the signals χ and y maybe attained/derived and/or regenerated. Alternatively, for example, asdiscussed earlier, instead of providing the signal χ+ξy on the V port ofthe Transmitter Tx and providing the signal y on the H port of theTransmitter Tx, as is illustrated in FIG. 3A, the signal y+ξχ may beprovided on the H port of the Transmitter Tx and the signal χ may beprovided on the V port of said Transmitter Tx.

Then, over a second interval of time that may, according to someembodiments, be substantially mutually exclusive with the first intervalof time, S1 may establish link LRL1 between S1 and the BTS and maytransmit over link LRL1 signals χ and y over respective V and Hpolarizations thereof, as is illustrated by the top portion of FIG. 3D.Also, over the second interval of time, the long-range link LRL2 may beestablished between M and the BTS (as previously discussed for the casewhen S2 is not present or is not needed), or between S2 and the BTS ifS2 is present and is needed, and M (or S2) may transmit signals ξχ andλy over respective V and H polarizations thereof, as is illustrated bythe lower portion of FIG. 3D. Accordingly, at a BTS, for example, at V-and H-polarized receivers/antennas thereof, respective aggregate signalsR_(V1,2) and R_(H1,2) may be received and written as:

R _(V1,2) ≡r _(V1) +r _(V2)=χ(a _(VV) +ξb _(VV))+y(a _(HV) +λb _(HV));and

R _(H1,2) ≡r _(H1) +r _(H2)=χ(a _(VH) +ξb _(VH))+y(a _(HH) +λb _(HH)).

Setting λ=−(a_(HV)/b_(HV)) and ξ=−(a_(VH)/b_(VH)) yields,

R _(V1,2)=χ[a _(VV)−(a _(VH) /b _(VH))·b _(VV)]≡χΦ; and

R _(H1,2) =y[a _(HH)−(a _(HV) /b _(HV))·b _(HH)]≡yΨ;

wherein the parameters Φ and ψ will, in general, be complex-valued andwherein, according to some embodiments, the signals r_(V1) and r_(V2)may appear substantially co-frequency therebetween and substantiallysimultaneously in time therebetween on a vertically polarizedreceiver/antenna of the BTS, yielding the aggregate signal R_(V1,2)thereat, while substantially concurrently in time therewith, the signalsr_(H1) and r_(H2) may appear substantially co-frequency therebetween andsubstantially simultaneously in time therebetween on a horizontallypolarized receiver/antenna of the BTS yielding the aggregate signalR_(H1,2) thereat. It will be understood that in accordance with someembodiments instead of χ, χ divided by Φ may be transmitted and, insteadof y, y divided by Ψ may be transmitted (i.e., χ/Φ and y/Ψ may betransmitted instead of χ and y, respectively). Accordingly, thermalnoise enhancement at the receiver may be avoided or reduced. Thisimplies S1 and S2 having knowledge of the various channel coefficientsdefining Φ and Ψ.

It will be understood that instead of conveying x and y by M to S1 overlink SRL1 and then transmitting x and y by S1 to the BTS over link LRL1on respective V and H polarizations thereof; and further transmitting ξχand λy by M directly to the BTS over link LRL2 on respective V and Hpolarizations thereof, as described above, according to furtherembodiments M may convey χ and y to S1 over link SRL1 and may alsoconvey χ and y to S2 over link SRL2 and then, have S1 and S2 transmit tothe BTS, over respective links LRL1 and LRL2, in accordance with the topand bottom portions of FIG. 3D, respectively, in order to substantiallyachieve a result as discussed above. It will also be understood andappreciated by those skilled in the art that short-range linkcommunications of the type as described above between M and S1 and/orbetween M and S2, may be extended to more than two slave devices. Thatis, according to some embodiments, M may be in short-range proximitywith more than one or two slave devices that may be capable of beingengaged by M (and/or the BTS) to coordinate reception and/ortransmission of signals with M. Accordingly, in some embodiments, M mayselect based on certain criteria (with or without assistance from theBTS and/or the slave devices that may be capable of being engaged) afirst set of slave devices, comprising at least one slave device, andmay relay information relating to said selection of the first set ofslave devices to the BTS. Based on said first set of slave devices, Mmay begin to transmit and/or receive information (voice and/or data)to/from the BTS using the first set of slave devices.

In some embodiments, M may, from time-to-time, re-evaluate its selectionof said first set of slave devices and, responsive to said certaincriteria and/or other concern(s), may select a second set of slavedevices, comprising at least one slave device, may relay information tothe BTS relating to the second set of slave devices and may begin totransmit and/or receive information (voice and/or data) to/from the BTSusing the second set of slave devices and, in some embodiments, ceasinguse of the first set of slave devices. It will be understood that thesecond set of slave devices may comprise a number of slave devices thatdiffers from a number of slave devices included in the first set ofslave devices. It will also be understood that the second set of slavedevices may include one or more slave devices that are also included inthe first set of slave devices or may not include any slave devices thatare included the first set of slave devices. Further, it will beunderstood that said certain criteria and/or other concern(s) maycomprise a distance between M and a slave device, a quality of awireless link between M and a slave device, a quality of a wireless linkbetween a slave device and a BTS, a battery level of a slave device,whether or not a slave device is already engaged in communications witha BTS, etc.

In some embodiments, M may wirelessly communicate with at least oneslave device that is proximate to M. As used herein with respect to M,the term “wirelessly communicating” (or “wirelessly communicate”) mayrefer to a preliminary communication, such as a handshake communication,that occurs between M and the at least one slave device before Mwirelessly requests a processing capability of the at least one slavedevice.

In some embodiments, several sets of slave devices that may be used by Mmay be identified as such by M, by the BTS that is serving, or is in aposition to serve, M and/or by the slave devices themselves; whereinsuch identification process may be based upon a comparison of positionbetween that of M and the position of one or more slave devices (whereinsuch comparison may, in some embodiments, be performed by the BTS), maybe based upon signal strength measurements made by M of signals emittedby the one or more slave devices, measurements made by the one or moreslave devices of a signal emitted by M and/or measurements made by theBTS of signal strengths and/or positions. Accordingly, in someembodiments, M may “cycle” in accordance with a predetermined algorithm(or rotate in accordance with said predetermined algorithm) between saidseveral sets of slave devices for reasons of, for example, providingdiversity protection of communications performance and/or for reducingprocessing requirements and battery expenditure of any one specificslave device. In other embodiments, M may use a first set of slavedevices, of a plurality of sets of slave devices, until a communicationsperformance associated therewith degrades to below a predeterminedthreshold and/or until said certain criteria and/or other concern(s)indicate that a change may be made from said first set of slave devicesto a second set of slave devices. Accordingly, M may switch to using thesecond set of slave devices of said plurality of sets of slave devicesand may cease using the first set of slave devices.

It will be understood that in some embodiments, one or more slavedevices may be connected to an Intranet/Internet, the BTS and/or asystem element of an operator associated with the BTS via means otherthan wireless (not necessarily to the exclusion of wireless). It willalso be understood that one or more slave devices may be fixed relativeto the BTS and may be situated on a building or other structure. Anyslave device discussed herein may comprise a smartphone that may beconfigured to communicate with a BTS using a Long-Term Evolution (“LTE”)protocol and/or air interface that may be based upon an OrthogonalFrequency Division Multiplexed (“OFDM”) and/or Orthogonal FrequencyDivision Multiple Access (“OFDMA”) technology/standard. It will beunderstood that the inventive concepts and/or embodiments disclosedherein may be applied to any communications system/method including,without limitation, WiFi, BLUETOOTH®, fiber optical, terrestrial and/orspace-based. It will also be understood that said inventive conceptsand/or embodiments may be used in a Frequency Division Duplex (“FDD”) orTime Division Duplex (“TDD”) system/method.

It would indeed be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to describe indetail and/or illustrate every embodiment of each combination,sub-combination and/or variation that is possible using aspects,elements, architectures and/or parameters described above andillustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and/or 3C. Accordingly, the presentdescription shall be construed to constitute a complete writtendescription that supports each and every possible combination,sub-combination and/or variation of aspects, architectures, elementsand/or parameters described herein, and of the manner and process ofmaking and using them, and shall support Claims to any such combination,sub-combination and/or variation.

Now in reference to FIG. 3E, a receiver architecture is illustrated thatmay be used, in some embodiments, following a transmitter/receiverprocessing as described above and, in some embodiments, absent thetransmitter/receiver processing described above, in order to reduce aresidual X-Pol interference that may be present and further, tocompensate for amplitude and/or phase channel-induced variations in eachone of the co-pol signals (the co-pol signal on V being χ, and theco-pol signal on H being y). For example, if due to a measurement error,estimation error and/or other reason, instead of having R_(V1,2)=χΦ andR_(H1,2)=yΨ as may be desirable and described earlier (i.e., instead ofhaving R_(V1,2) and R_(H1,2) each including only a desired co-pol signalwhile each being substantially devoid of X-Pol interference), we mayhave R_(V1,2)=χε+yζ and R_(H1,2)=χη+yθ as illustrated in FIG. 3E,wherein in that case the X-Pol interference components may have to bereduced (or substantially eliminated) in some embodiments; i.e., theterm yζ being the X-Pol interference component in R_(V1,2) may have tobe reduced (or substantially eliminated) and χη being the X-Polinterference component in R_(H1,2) may have to be reduced (orsubstantially eliminated). In some embodiments, reducing (orsubstantially eliminating) the X-Pol interference components asdiscussed above, may yield, or approximately yield, V_(R)′=χ[ε−η(ζ/θ)],having set, or approximately having set, γ=−ζ/θ; similarly, suchembodiments may yield, or approximately yield, H_(R)′=y[θ−ζ(η/ε)], bysetting, or approximately setting δ=−η/ε. As those skilled in the artwill appreciate, the settings/equations above are based on an approach(or algorithm) such as a “zero-forcing” approach (or algorithm).However, in some embodiments, a minimum mean-squared error approach (oralgorithm) may be used instead of the zero-forcing approach or inconjunction with the zero-forcing approach to derive other settings thatmay substantially equate with those given above for with thezero-forcing approach. As those skilled in the art know, as a value ofnoise (e.g., thermal noise) and/or interference becomes small (e.g.,approaches zero), a performance and/or setting of the minimummean-squared error algorithm approaches that of the zero-forcingalgorithm. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that eachone of the parameters listed above may, in general, be complex valued.It will further be understood that, in an expression such as, forexample, R_(V1,2)=χε+yζ the quantity χε denotes a co-pol (orco-polarized) component of R_(V1,2); wherein R_(V1,2) denotes a signalassociated with a vertically-polarized antenna of a receiver and whereinχ (or a function thereof) denotes a signal that is transmitted by avertically-polarized antenna of a transmitter. Further, assuming thatthe signal y (or a function thereof) denotes a signal transmitted by ahorizontally-polarized antenna of the transmitter, the quantity yζ ofR_(V1,2) denotes a X-Pol interference component of R_(V1,2).

In some embodiments, a transmitter and/or receiver may be equipped witha plurality of dual-pol antenna configurations such as, for example, afirst V- and H-polarized antenna configuration, a second V- andH-polarized antenna configuration, and even a third V- and H-polarizedantenna configuration. It will be understood that a designation (orlabel) such as V-polarized (or a H-polarized) for an antenna may bearbitrary. That is, for an antenna that is fixed relative to the Earthsuch a designation (or label) may be appropriate since an orientation ofthe antenna relative to a surface of the Earth may remain substantiallyinvariant. However, in some situations, particularly in situationswherein an antenna orientation relative to a surface of the Earth mayvary, such as may be the case in a mobile (e.g., smartphone) situation,a designation such as V-polarized (or H-polarized) may be of a lessersignificance and may be viewed as an arbitrary designation. In suchsituations, one may use any other label, designation and/ordiscriminator to identify a first and a second polarization. It willfurther be understood that one or more of the various coefficients thatare used herein to characterize one or more co-polarization (co-pol)channel gain(s), one or more cross-polarization (X-Pol) interferencegain(s) and/or one or more correction (or interference reduction)gain(s)/parameter(s) such as α_(VV), α_(VH), β_(HH), β_(HV), a_(VV),a_(VH), a_(HH), a_(HV), b_(VV), b_(VH), b_(HH), b_(HV), ε, ζ, θ, ξ, λ, γand/or δ, may not only be time dependent but may also be frequencydependent. Accordingly, in some embodiments, comprising, for example, anOrthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed (“OFDM”) and/or OrthogonalFrequency Division Multiple Access (“OFDMA”) system/method, comprising aplurality of subcarriers, a first group of subcarriers, comprising oneor more subcarriers, may be processed using a first set of coefficientsand a second group of subcarriers, comprising one or more subcarriers,may be processed using a second set of coefficients that may differ fromthe first set of coefficients.

FIG. 3F illustrates a transmitter/receiver comprising a plurality of,for example, linearly-polarized antennas. Antenna combination 4 and 2,for example, may be used to form a first V- and H-polarizedconfiguration wherein, for example, antenna 4 may represent the Vpolarization and antenna 2 the H polarization. Antenna combination 5 and3, for example, may be used to form a second V- and H-polarizedconfiguration wherein, for example, antenna 5 may represent the Vpolarization and antenna 3 the H polarization. Similarly, antennacombination 3 and 1, for example, may be used to form a third V- andH-polarized configuration wherein, for example, antenna 3 may representthe V polarization and antenna 1 the H polarization, etc. It will beunderstood that the “x-axis” of FIG. 3F may represent an orientationthat may be substantially parallel to a surface of the Earth at alocation associated with the transmitter/receiver, and that the “y-axis”of FIG. 3F, may represent an orientation that may be substantiallyperpendicular to the x-axis, as is illustrated in FIG. 3F. It will alsobe understood that an angle difference between two adjacent antennas ofFIG. 3F may be substantially 45° (45 degrees) in some embodiments. Thatis, in some embodiments, a difference in a polarization angle (such as alinear polarization angle) between, for example, antennas 1 and 2 ofFIG. 3F may be substantially 45 degrees; a difference in a polarizationangle (such as a linear polarization angle) between, for example,antennas 2 and 3 of FIG. 3F may be substantially 45 degrees; adifference in a polarization angle (such as a linear polarization angle)between, for example, antennas 3 and 4 of FIG. 3F may be substantially45 degrees, etc. In other embodiments, other antenna orientations may bepossible such as, for example, a difference in a polarization angle(such as a linear polarization angle) between, for example, antennas 1and 2 of FIG. 3F being, for example, 30 degrees; a difference in apolarization angle (such as a linear polarization angle) between, forexample, antennas 2 and 3 of FIG. 3F being, for example, 60 degrees; adifference in a polarization angle (such as a linear polarization angle)between, for example, antennas 3 and 4 of FIG. 3F being, for example, 30degrees, etc. Many other antenna orientations are possible as thoseskilled in the art will appreciate.

In some embodiments, a first transmitter/receiver may use a firstantenna combination such as, for example, an antenna combinationcomprising antennas 4 and 2 of FIG. 3F, for a firsttransmission/reception and then, the first transmitter/receiver may usea second antenna combination such as, for example, an antennacombination comprising antennas 5 and 3 of FIG. 3F, for a secondtransmission/reception. The decision to change from said first antennacombination to said second antenna combination may, in some embodiments,depend upon (and/or be responsive to) a motion of the firsttransmitter/receiver, a motion of a second transmitter/receiver that maybe communicating (and/or exchanging information) with the firsttransmitter/receiver, a change in a propagation channel, a correctiongain that may be calculated as a ratio, such as, for example ξ, λ, γand/or δ having exceeded a threshold value (in magnitude and/or inreal/imaginary component(s) thereof), a correction gain that may becalculated as a ratio (as is, for example, illustrated in FIG. 3B)having exceeded a threshold value (in magnitude and/or in real/imaginarycomponent(s) thereof) and/or a change in at least one coefficient thatis used to characterize a co-polarization (co-pol) channel gain, across-polarization (X-Pol) interference gain and/or a correction (orinterference reduction) gain (e.g., α_(VV), α_(VH), β_(HH), β_(HV),a_(VV), a_(VH), a_(HH), a_(HV), b_(VV), b_(VH), b_(HH), b_(HV), ε, η, θ,ξ, λ, γ and/or δ). In some embodiments, instead of said change from saidfirst antenna combination to said second antenna combination, both thefirst and second antenna combinations may be used substantiallyconcurrently by said transmitter/receiver for the second and/or thefirst transmission/reception. In some embodiments two or more antennacombinations of the transmitter/receiver may be used substantiallyconcurrently for one or more transmissions/receptions.

In some embodiments, as is illustrated in FIG. 3G, a BTS may process oneor more signals, such as, for example, one or more pilot signals, thatmay be transmitted by a device, such as a smartphone, using anOFDM/OFDMA protocol or air interface. The BTS may determine (orestimate) from such processing one or more channel coefficients such asthose discussed above: α_(VV), α_(VH), β_(HH), β_(HV), a_(VV), a_(VH),a_(HH), a_(HV), b_(VV), b_(VH), b_(HH) and/or b_(HV). The BTS may thenrelay said one or more channel coefficients, as may be appropriate, asmay be needed and/or as may be necessary, to a smartphone in order forthe smartphone to, for example, perform processing as described earlier.As is illustrated in FIG. 3G, in some embodiments the BTS may receiveand process a transmission from a smartphone (that may be adual-polarization transmission, or “Dual-Pol Transmission” as islabelled in FIG. 3G) over a link, that may be a Long Range Link(labelled as “LRL” in FIG. 3G) and then, the BTS may relay said one ormore channel coefficients to the smartphone using, for example, aninternet connection (and/or any other transmission means) that may bebased on wireline and/or wireless connectivity with an access point(e.g., a WiFi access point, a femtocell, a microcell, a picocell and/orany other device including smartphone(s)) that may be proximate to thesmartphone that is illustrated in FIG. 3G. The access point may relaysaid one or more channel coefficients to the smartphone via a link thatmay be a Short-Range Link (labelled as “SRL” in FIG. 3G). The SRL may bebased upon unlicensed and/or licensed frequencies that may comprisefrequencies licensed for terrestrial and/or satellite usage. It will beunderstood that even though the various communications links of FIG. 3Gare illustrated as unidirectional links, one or more of these links maybe bidirectional.

It would indeed be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to describe indetail and/or illustrate every embodiment of each combination,sub-combination and/or variation that is possible using aspects,elements, architectures and/or parameters described above andillustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F and/or 3G. Accordingly, thepresent description shall be construed to constitute a complete writtendescription that supports each and every possible combination,sub-combination and/or variation of aspects, architectures, elementsand/or parameters described herein, and of the manner and process ofmaking and using them, and shall support Claims to any such combination,sub-combination and/or variation.

Systems/Methods of Disabling and/or Enabling Smartphone Functions

For reasons of, for example, safety, it may be desirable tosuspend/disable and/or silence one or more functions/features of asmartphone (and/or any other device that may be a communications device)when a user of the smartphone (and/or said any other device) isoperating a motor vehicle (i.e., is driving a motor vehicle) and/or isengaged in some other activity that may require such action. Morespecifically, a function/feature of the smartphone and/or said any otherdevice, such as, for example, a function/feature relating to data,texting, voice and/or video may be suspended/disabled and/or silencedresponsive to an operating state of the user of the smartphone and/orsaid any other device (e.g., responsive to a driving state of the userof the smartphone and/or said any other device). Other operating statesof the user may, for example, be a sleep/relaxation state, aconcentration state, a down-time state (e.g., a vacation state and/or atravel state), a not feeling well state (e.g., a state of being sick), ado not disturb state, etc., as may, for example, be defined/specified bythe user of the smartphone, an employer of the user of the smartphone, aguardian/parent of the user of the smartphone, a geographic area wherethe user is in, a building where the user is in (such as, for example, aconcert hall), a government/police authority, a velocity/accelerationassociated with the user, a weather condition, a background noise level(or a lack thereof) and/or a calendar entry associated with the user.

It will be understood that although the discussion below is, for thesake of simplicity and/or clarity, focused on disabling/enablingfunctions/features of a smartphone, this is not presented so forlimitation; the discussion is also applicable for said any other devicethat may, according to some embodiments, be a communications deviceother than a smartphone.

In some embodiments, said function/feature of the smartphone relating todata, texting, voice and/or video may, for example, comprisesuspending/disabling and/or silencing sending and/or receiving by thesmartphone data, texting, voice and/or video responsive to saidoperating state of the user of the smartphone (e.g., responsive to saiddriving state of the user of the smartphone). In other embodiments, saidfunction/feature of the smartphone relating to data, texting, voiceand/or video may, for example, comprise suspending/disabling and/orsilencing a notification by the smartphone to the user, responsive tothe operating state of the user (e.g., responsive to the driving stateof the user), that data, texting, voice and/or video has been received,is being received and/or the smartphone is being paged. According tosome embodiments, even though said function and/or feature of thesmartphone may be suspended/disabled and/or silenced responsive to saidoperating state of the user of the smartphone (e.g., responsive to saiddriving state of the user of the smartphone), a component of said data,texting, voice and/or video that is received at/by the smartphone may bestored by the smartphone at the smartphone, at an access point servingthe smartphone and/or at a base station (e.g., a cellular base station)serving the smartphone and, at a later time, such data that is stored(or a portion and/or measure/indicator thereof) may be presented to thesmartphone and/or by the smartphone to the user responsive to saidoperating state (e.g., responsive to said driving state) of the userhaving changed from an “active operating” state (e.g., having changedfrom an “active driving” state) to a “non-active operating” state (e.g.,a “non-driving” state).

In some embodiments, said “active driving” state comprises the motorvehicle having been placed/positioned in a state other than a park state(e.g., the motor vehicle gears having been disengaged from a park stateand having been placed/positioned in, for example, a drive forwardstate, a drive backward state or neutral state). Accordingly, in someembodiments, said “non-driving” state comprises the motor vehicle gearshaving been placed/positioned in the park state. In general, said“active operating” state comprises a sleep/relaxation state, aconcentration state, a driving state, a down-time state (e.g., avacation state and/or a travel state), a not feeling well state (e.g., astate of being sick), being in a predetermined geographic area, being ina predetermined building (such as, for example, in a concert hall)and/or a do not disturb state, as may, for example, be defined/specifiedby the user of the smartphone, by a signal that is being radiated in thevicinity of the smartphone, by a calendar associated with the user, byan employer of the user, by a guardian/parent of the user, by thepredetermined geographic area/building and/or by an authority (e.g.,government and/or police). It will be understood that, in accordancewith some embodiments, having first defined what an “active operating”state is, it follows that said “non-active operating” state is a statethat is devoid of any attribute/aspect that is used to define the“active operating” state.

According to some embodiments, said function of the smartphone relatingto data, texting, voice and/or video may be suspended/disabled and/orsilenced selectively responsive to, for example, a predeterminedpriority that may be associated with an entity that is paging thesmartphone and/or an entity that the smartphone is attempting to pageand/or communicate with. For example, even though the motor vehicle maybe in the active driving state, if a security company such as, forexample, ADT or CPI has been engaged by the driver and is calling,texting and/or otherwise attempting to communicate with the driver, thedriver may want such a call/communication to go through while othercalls/communications (say, for example, those from friends, colleagues,telemarketers, etc.) may be blocked. Similarly, if, for example, a wife,daughter, son or brother of the driver is calling or has sent a textmessage, the driver may want such a call and/or text message toselectively go through while other calls and/or text messages may beblocked (i.e., may be stored, as previously discussed, and presented tothe driver at a later time).

According to embodiments of inventive concepts presented herein, a motorvehicle (or simply a vehicle) may ascertain/establish an input from adriver thereof responsive to the motor vehicle having been disengagedfrom a park state. Said input from the driver of the motor vehicle may,for example, comprise a photograph/image/scan of the driver, comprisingthe driver's face and/or facial features (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth, hair,forehead and/or wrinkles thereof, etc.) and/or one or more otherfeatures of the driver that may comprise one or more physiologicalfeatures of the driver such as, for example, data associated with ahandprint and/or a fingerprint of the driver, data associated with asound/voice of the driver and/or any other physiological feature of thedriver that may provide a measure that may be unique or substantiallyunique to the driver. The motor vehicle may be equipped with acamera/scanner that may be triggered by, and be responsive to, the motorvehicle having attained and/or having been placed in a state other thanthe park state. Said input from the driver of the motor vehicle may beascertained by the motor vehicle and/or may be processed by the motorvehicle upon having disengaged the motor vehicle from the park state (orsoon thereafter) and/or at other times thereafter. It will be understoodthat the term “substantially unique” as used herein means that there isa very small chance/probability that said measure may belong to, and beassociated with, a person other than the driver. It will also beunderstood that the term “small chance/probability” includes zero,non-zero but infinitesimally small, and greater than infinitesimallysmall but small (e.g., less than or equal to, for example, 10⁻³, 10⁻⁴,10⁻⁵ or less than or equal to 10⁻⁶, etc.).

Having ascertained/established by the motor vehicle the input from thedriver thereof, as described above (or even prior thereto in someembodiments), the motor vehicle may transmit an interrogation signalrequesting from each smartphone that is able to receive saidinterrogation signal a response. Said interrogation signal may be alow-power, short-range interrogation signal so as to be received only bysmartphones that are within the motor vehicle and/or proximate thereto.The interrogation signal may, according to some embodiments, trigger asmartphone that receives it to transmit a facial and/or other feature ofits user and/or data associated therewith. As may be appreciated by oneskilled in the art, a smartphone may be configured to perform variousoperations/functions comprising storing data associated with afingerprint of a user; taking an image of the user (that may be a facialimage comprising one or more features, aspects and/or characteristics ofthe user's nose, eye(s)/cornea(s), lip(s), forehead, hair, etc.) andstoring such image and/or other facial features of the user; andperforming such functions transparent to the user and, in someembodiments, doing so following the user handling the smartphone and/orlooking at its display. Accordingly, each smartphone that receives theinterrogation signal may provide a response to the motor vehicle (and/orto another processing facility), comprising such features/dataassociated with its user.

The features/data associated with one or more users of one or morerespective smartphones that may have provided an interrogation responsemay be received by/at the motor vehicle (and/or may also be receivedby/at said another processing facility) and may be processed thereat inorder to detect a match between data provided by (or ascertained from)the driver of the motor vehicle and data provided by (or ascertainedfrom) the one or more users of said one or more respective smartphones;it is understood that the motor vehicle may also be configured toperform operations comprising sending/forwarding data ascertained fromthe driver of the motor vehicle to said another processing facility. Amatch may be found and may be used to identify one smartphone of saidone or more respective smartphones that may be associated with thedriver of the motor vehicle and may, therefore, need to besuspended/disabled and/or silenced (in at least some functions/featuresthereof) for a period of time during which the motor vehicle isdisengaged from the park state.

Interrogation responses may, according to some embodiments, be staggeredin time (deterministically, randomly and/or pseudo-randomly) in order toreduce a probability of collision between a first response from a firstsmartphone and a second response from a second smartphone. In the eventof a collision or a no match situation (which may be due to a collision)the motor vehicle may transmit the interrogation signal again. Accordingto some embodiments, the motor vehicle may ascertain the input from thedriver periodically (or otherwise) and may also transmit aninterrogation signal periodically (or otherwise) while the motor vehicleis in a state other than the park state; for example, the motor vehiclemay do so once every 250, 500, 750, or 1000 milliseconds; or at anyother interval of milliseconds such as, for example, once every 2500milliseconds. In some embodiments, interrogations and/or responsesthereto may use and/or may be based upon a short-range communicationslink and may use a BLUETOOTH®-based protocol and/or any other protocol.In other embodiments, interrogations may use and/or may be based upon ashort-range communications link and may use a BLUETOOTH® protocol or anyother protocol, while responses thereto may use and/or may be based upona short-range communications link and/or a long-range communicationslink and may use a BLUETOOTH®-based protocol or any other protocol.

It will be understood that, instead of first ascertaining by the motorvehicle said input from the driver, then transmitting the interrogationsignal and then receiving response(s) from the interrogation signal, asis described above, such order of operations may be changed according tosome embodiments. For example, the interrogation may be transmittedfirst (say after the motor vehicle is disengaged from the park state),followed by one or more responses to the interrogation, followed by themotor vehicle ascertaining the input from the driver of the motorvehicle. In some embodiments two or more of the functions mentionedabove may be performed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously;and other combinations of functions and/or sequence of functions may beperformed. It will also be understood that instead of processing one ormore responses from the interrogation at/by the motor vehicle and/orat/by a facility other than the motor vehicle in order for the motorvehicle and/or said facility other than the motor vehicle to decidewhich smartphone is associated with the driver of the motor vehicle inorder to potentially put that smartphone under a restriction aspreviously discussed, the motor vehicle may transmit the input from thedriver of the motor vehicle and may have one or more smartphones makedecisions as to which one of the smartphones needs to potentially berestricted (suspended/disabled and/or silenced, as discussed earlier).In some embodiments both may be done. That is, one or more responsesfrom the interrogation may be received and processed at/by the motorvehicle and/or at/by said facility other than the motor vehicle in orderfor the motor vehicle and/or the other facility to decide whichsmartphone is associated with the driver of the motor vehicle (and thenpotentially put that smartphone under a restriction as previouslydiscussed), and also, the motor vehicle may transmit the input from thedriver of the motor vehicle and may have one or more smartphones makedecisions as to which one of the smartphones needs to potentially berestricted (i.e., suspended/disabled and/or silenced, as discussedearlier). Combinations of performing functions, other than thosedescribed above, are also possible.

According to some embodiments of inventive concepts presented herein, auser of a smartphone may voluntarily decide to configure his/hersmartphone to perform various functions including allowing thesmartphone to be disabled/suspended and/or silenced in one or morefeatures/modes thereof in the event the user of the smartphone isdriving a motor vehicle (as decided by the motor vehicle, by a facilityother than the motor vehicle and/or by the smartphone, as describedearlier), and responsive to a command to disable/suspend and/or silencethat may be received and/or be generated at/by the smartphone. Further,the user of the smartphone may selectively allow for some functionalityof the smartphone to continue to be enabled even though the user isdriving and/or to allow selectively for some entities (persons and/orcompanies) to continue to have communications access to/with thesmartphone. To do all this, the user of the smartphone may access aprogram, web page, or menu (say from Verizon, for example, if the userof the smartphone is a Verizon subscriber), present his/her smartphonenumber and then have said program, web page or menu guide the user, toconfigure his/her smartphone. Simple, straight-forward questions may bepresented to the user, such as, for example:

(1) Do you want certain functions of your smartphone to be disabledwhile you're driving?If the answer is yes, then a follow-on question may be:(2) Please select all functions that you would like disabled whiledriving; the options presented may be:

voice calls and/or ring tone(s) associated therewith;

texting and/or notifications thereof;

email presentation and/or notifications associated therewith;

one or more combinations of the above;

. . . etc.

Other questions may have to do with selectively allowing one or morebusiness and/or one or more persons/individuals to get through to, andcommunicate with, the user, in substantially real time, even when theuser is driving. Such businesses and/or individuals may be defined byand/or be specified by providing their phone number(s), name(s) and/orother coordinates such as, for example, an address or addresses and/or acode or codes that may have been negotiated a priori between the userand a person or between the user and a business.

A parent may exercise control over a child's smartphone functionalityconditioned upon a driving state of the child. Accordingly, the parentmay exercise control over one or more functions of a smartphone beingused by said child in that, responsive to a driving state of the child(as sensed, for example, by said child's smartphone) one or morefunctions of the child's smartphone may be suspended/disabled/silencedduring a time interval of driving activity by the child. Said drivingstate and/or driving activity of the child may comprise a velocity, atime-of-day and/or an acceleration. Further, a person may exercisecontrol over one or more functions of any smartphone that is thatperson's legal/financial responsibility responsive to a driving stateand/or driving activity as sensed, for example, by said any smartphone;wherein said driving state and/or driving activity may comprise avelocity, a time-of-day and/or an acceleration.

An account manager/owner may exercise control over a plurality ofsmartphones associated with an account that is managed/controlled/ownedby said account manager/owner. Accordingly, the account manager/ownermay exercise control over one or more functions of at least somesmartphones associated with said account in that, responsive to adriving state and/or driving activity of a user of a smartphone of saidat least some smartphones the one or more functions of the smartphonemay be suspended, disabled and/or silenced during a time interval ofdriving activity by the user of the smartphone.

A carrier (such as, for example, Verizon), a State (such as, forexample, North Carolina), a City (such as, for example, Raleigh, N.C.),a neighborhood, a building (such as, for example, a concert hall), alocation (such as, for example, a runway of an airport), a county,certain roads, highways, freeways, etc. may exercise control over one ormore functions of at least some smartphones, and in some embodiments allsmartphones, that may be associated with and/or may be within saidcarrier, State, City, neighborhood, building, location, certain roads,highways and/or freeways responsive to a driving state and/or drivingactivity of a user of a smartphone of said at least some smartphones orsaid all smartphones; and/or responsive to a velocity, altitude and/oracceleration/deceleration of at least one smartphone. In someembodiments, the carrier, the State, the City, the neighborhood, saidcertain roads, highways, freeways, etc. may exercise control over saidone or more functions of said at least some smartphones provided theusers of the at least some smartphones have provided a consent. In someembodiments, the consent may not be required.

In some embodiments, all smartphones that respond to an interrogationmay be disabled/suspended and/or silenced; including that of a driver aswell as any smartphone(s) associated with passenger(s). Doing so mayavoid a scenario whereby prior to initiating driving a person whointends to be a passenger “handles” the phone a person who intends to bea driver and the person who intends to be the driver handles the phoneof the person who intends to be the passenger. Accordingly, uponinterrogation the driver's phone may send a picture, features and/ordata associated with the passenger and the passenger's phone may send apicture, features and/or data associated with the driver thuspotentially causing the vehicle to disable the passenger's phone and notthat of the driver. Thus, in some embodiments, both smartphones may bedisabled (i.e., all smartphones that respond to an interrogation may bedisabled). In some embodiments, all smartphones that respond to aninterrogation may be disabled responsive to at least one smartphonehaving detected data that does not correlate with data stored in thesmartphone relating to an earlier time (e.g., facial features/picturetaken by the smartphone prior to, and a short while before, theinterrogation, differing from that/those stored in the smartphone atearlier times).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram (or flow chart) that illustrates aspects ofinventive concepts disclosed herein. The process/algorithm shown in FIG.4 starts operating following turning on of the engine of the motorvehicle. If the motor vehicle (or simply the vehicle) is determined tobe in a Park State (at block 10) then a determination is made at block60 as to whether or not any smartphone has been disabled prior to thevehicle being put in the Park State. Clearly, if the engine of thevehicle just turned on and the driver hasn't had a chance yet to placethe vehicle in any state other than the Park State, no smartphone wouldhave been disabled and the answer at block 60 would be No. However, ifthe vehicle had been driving and just arrived at a destination (and thedriver just placed the vehicle in the Park State), then the answer atblock 60 is Yes and those smartphones that may had been disabled may nowbe enabled as is indicated at block 70. If the engine of the vehicle isstill on, as determined at block 80, the process/algorithm jumps to, andcontinues at, block 10 to account for the possibility that the ParkState may be disengaged in the event the driver decides to continuedriving to another destination. Said jumping to, and continuing at,block 10 may, in some embodiments occur following 500 milliseconds, 1000milliseconds or any other number of milliseconds following the decisionat block 80.

If at block 10 it is determined that the vehicle is in a state otherthan the Park State, then the process/algorithm jumps to, and continuesat, block 20. Following ascertaining data of the driver at block 20, theinterrogation signal is transmitted at block 30, and the comparisonindicated at block 40 is made (not necessarily in that order). A matchassociated with the smartphone of the driver is determined in block 50and the driver's smartphone is disabled.

FIG. 5 illustrates functions that may be performed by a smartphone inorder to gather data associated with a user thereof. When a smartphoneis handled by a user, one of the first things that the user does is tolook at and observe the display/screen of the smartphone. Further, asthe user continues to handle the smartphone (by reading/sendingemail(s), reading/sending text message(s), looking at pictures and/ordownloading data, etc.) the user continues to look at and observe thedisplay of the smartphone. Accordingly, responsive to the display of asmartphone becoming lit (block 100 of FIG. 5), and, in some embodiments,during a time interval when the display of the smartphone may not belit, the smartphone may, according to some embodiments, take aPicture/Image (“P/I”) at block 110. Next, the purpose of function(s)performed at block 120 relate(s) to categorizing said P/I. If, forexample, said P/I relates to a picture of facial features of the userand such facial features are already held/stored, for example, withinthe smartphone, then a match between the P/I and said features that arealready held/stored may be declared at block 130 and a counter at block140 may, responsively, be incremented, for example, by one unit.Otherwise, if a match is not declared at block 130, the P/I taken may bestored as a new P/I to be compared at a later time with whatever furtherP/I is taken by the smartphone at block 110. The phrase “display of asmartphone becoming lit” as used herein means that the display of thesmartphone is in sleep mode (e.g., is dark/black, or has no image atall).

In some embodiments, each P/I that fails to generate a match at block130 may be stored as a new P/I at block 150 and may be associated with aseparate counter (i.e., may be associated with its own unique counter)which may be incremented at a next time when a match is determined tohave occurred relative to that P/I. In some embodiments, only one P/I(i.e., a single P/I) is taken by the smartphone responsive to thedisplay/screen of the smartphone having been lit and/or turned on. Inother embodiments, a new P/I may be acquired/taken by the smartphoneperiodically (for example, once every X milliseconds) as long as thedisplay of the smartphone remains on/lit. In some embodiments, a P/Ithat is associated with a counter whose value is greater than each oneof all other counters (associated with other Pictures/Images (“P/Is”)that have been taken by the smartphone) may be associated with relevantdata of the user of the smartphone and may comprise data that isincluded in the interrogation response that is sent by the smartphone tothe motor vehicle responsive to the motor vehicle having issued aninterrogation (see block 40 of FIG. 4). In some embodiments, all otherdata associated with any and all P/Is not having a maximum count isignored and is not included in the interrogation response.

In further embodiments, responsive to a first predetermined value ofgeographic position that may include altitude and/orvelocity/acceleration that may be associated with a smartphone, as maybe sensed by the smartphone itself using one or more smartphone-basedsensors/processors and/or by a system that is in communications with thesmartphone, said smartphone may initiate a silencing/disablement ofcertain functions and/or enablement of certain other functions includingplacing itself in “airplane mode”. The term “airplane mode” is known tothose skilled in the art and need not be described/defined furtherherein. In addition to the above, according to some embodiments,responsive to a second predetermined value of geographic position thatmay include altitude, velocity (or a steady decrease thereof),acceleration and/or deceleration, that may be associated with thesmartphone, as may be sensed by the smartphone itself using one or moresmartphone-based sensors/processors and/or by a system that is incommunications with the smartphone, the smartphone may resume “normalmode functionality”; wherein said “normal mode functionality” meansfunctionality associated with the smartphone prior to the smartphonehaving, for example, placed itself in airplane mode and/or prior tohaving initiated said silencing/disablement of certain functions and/orenablement of certain other functions. This means that said “normal modefunctionality” may be stored by the smartphone and/or by the system thatis in communications with the smartphone. Said first and/or secondpredetermined values of geographic position including altitude and/orvelocity acceleration may, according to some embodiments, be thresholdvalues of geographic position including altitude and/or velocityacceleration.

In a building environment, for example, in a concert hall buildingenvironment, instead of relying on individuals to silence theirsmartphones at the beginning of a performance, a predetermined signalmay be radiated by said building to instruct/command at least some (andin some embodiments all) smartphones to silence themselves. A smartphonemay sense a level of background noise and, responsive to a level thereofmay adjust a function thereof such as, for example, a volume, a ringlevel and/or a vibration duration and period associated therewith.

Other inventive concepts that relate to using/configuring a smartphoneinclude configuring a tabletop, or other surface, denoted simply hereinas “surface”, with functionality comprising communicating with asmartphone that is on/near the surface and displaying on said surfacevia smartphone-to-surface communications (that may be near fieldcommunications) content that is delivered via the smartphone to thesurface. For example, a person who is at a friend's house may desire toshare photographs and/or other information with the friend. Accordingly,the person may place his/her smartphone, for example, on a suitablyconfigured tabletop at the friend's house and thus display, on saidtabletop, said photographs and/or other information responsive to theperson having provided an authorization to the smartphone to do so. Thecontent displayed on the tabletop may be content that resides within thesmartphone and/or in a server/cloud.

Additional inventive concepts that relate to using a smartphone includeconfiguring one or more devices in, for example, a home/officeenvironment to perform functions comprising connecting and/orcommunicating with a smartphone, using, for example, a WiFi technology,an Ultra-Wide-Band (“UWB”) technology and/or any othertechnology/protocol over licensed and/or unlicensed frequencies, whilethe smartphone is within, or proximate to, said home/office; andconfiguring the smartphone so as to be connecting and/or communicatingwith the one or more devices in said home/office and performingfunctions comprising connecting and/or communicating with said one ormore devices, using said WiFi technology, UWB and/or othertechnology/protocol over licensed and/or unlicensed frequencies, whilethe smartphone is within, or proximate to, said home/office.Accordingly, the smartphone may be connecting and/or communicating withflat screen(s), camera(s), speaker(s), microphone(s) of the home/office.In some embodiments, the smartphone may be communicating with at leastsome devices of the home/office that are most proximate thereto whilerefraining from communicating with one or more devices of thehome/office that are at a further distance therefrom, but connectingtherewith, so that a visual/audio associated with the smartphone may bepresented via said at least some devices that are most proximatethereto; such as, for example, flat screen(s), camera(s), speaker(s),microphone(s); not necessarily to the exclusion of presenting saidvisual/audio via the relatively little display and/or other input/outputof the smartphone. As used herein and within the present paragraph, theterm “connecting” means the smartphone being cognizant of a presence ofa device and being on stand-by relative to delivering and/or receivingsaid visual/audio to/from that device; whereas the term “communicating”as used herein and within the present paragraph means delivering and/orreceiving said visual/audio to/from that device. In some embodiments,the “refraining” aspect as described above and within the presentparagraph may not be used (i.e., may be disabled). That is, thesmartphone may be configured so as to be communicating with all devicesof the home/office.

It would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to describe in detailand/or illustrate every combination and/or sub-combination of theplurality of embodiments that are described herein and relate todisabling/enabling smartphone functions responsive to safety concernsand/or other reasons. Accordingly, the present specification, includingany and all drawings thereof and Claims thereof shall be construed toconstitute a complete written description of all combinations and/orsub-combinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the mannerand process of making and using them, and shall support Claims to anysuch combination and/or sub-combination.

Systems/Methods of Providing a Service, Such as Providing Power,Wirelessly

In some embodiments of inventive concepts, plurality of radiatingdevices, each one of which may comprise and/or be connected to aplurality of antennas, may be configured to radiate electromagneticpower (i.e., electrical power), substantially simultaneously with oneanother, such that at a receiving antenna a plurality of waveforms,corresponding to a plurality of signals that have been radiated by saidplurality of devices, combine substantially coherently (i.e., combinesubstantially in-phase and/or on a voltage basis) with one another.Accordingly, a total power radiated by each one of said plurality ofdevices may be reduced and/or minimized while providing a desired levelof electrical power to the receiving antenna.

The receiving antenna may be connected/coupled to a device to be poweredand/or charged, such as, for example, a smartphone, a computer, a lamp,etc., and/or a battery thereof. Further, the receiving antenna, alsocomprising transmission capability in some embodiments, may comprise astructure on to which the device to be powered and/or charged may beplaced. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the receiving antenna may, forexample, be coupled to said device to be powered and/or chargedinductively and/or via any other near field technique that may be knownto those skilled in the art.

It will be understood that the term “antenna” or “antennas” as usedherein includes any passive and/or active element/component that isresponsive to an electromagnetic field and provides an output that is ameasure of said electromagnetic field. An antenna or antennas maycomprise any shape and/or structure (e.g., one-dimensional,two-dimensional, three-dimensional, circular, cylindrical,planar/patch), may be linearly polarized and/or circularly polarized,and may comprise one or more materials including conductive material(s),semiconductor(s), nonconductor(s)/insulator(s) and/or crystal(s).

A plurality of antennas that is associated with and/or connected to aradiating device of said plurality of radiating devices may, accordingto some embodiments, transmit/radiate a respective plurality of signals,comprising respective amplitudes and/or phases that may generally differfrom one another, in order to direct a total power being radiatedtowards a direction associated with said receiving antenna. In order todo so, according to some embodiments, the receiving antenna that may beconnected to a device to be powered and/or to a battery thereof mayprovide information to said radiating device of said plurality ofradiating devices that is associated with and/or connected to saidplurality of antennas. The information provided may comprise: locationinformation; an identity that, according to some embodiments, may beuniquely associated with said receiving antenna, device and/or batterythat may be associated therewith; and/or one or more pilot signal(s)that may convey to said plurality of antennas associated with and/orconnected to said radiating device of said plurality of radiatingdevices channel information.

Accordingly, the receiving antenna that may be connected to a device tobe powered and/or to a battery thereof may provide information to saidradiating device of said plurality of radiating devices that isassociated with and/or connected to said plurality of antennas and,responsive to such information, the plurality of antennas that isassociated with and/or connected to the radiating device of saidplurality of radiating devices may transmit/radiate, according to someembodiments, a respective plurality of signals, comprising respectiveamplitudes and/or phases that may generally differ from one another, inorder to direct a total power being radiated substantially towards saidreceiving antenna while reducing power levels towards locations otherthan that associated with said receiving antenna. Doing so may,according to some embodiments, be based upon one or more ofsystems/methods described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/868,281, filed Jan. 11, 2018, entitled Conveying Information viaAuxiliary Device Selection, or may be based on a combination and/orsub-combination of said systems/methods of said U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/868,281, which is assigned to the assignee of the presentinvention, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety as if set forth fully herein. For example,FIG. 2 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/868,281 and theaccompanying description thereof therein may serve as a basis for anembodiment in which power is delivered to one or more devices (such as,for example, devices AD₁ through AD₄ of FIG. 2 of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/868,281) by transmitting signals from aplurality of antennas (such as, for example, antennas 10-1 through 10-4of FIG. 2 of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/868,281), as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

Imagine now a large number N of radiating devices that may, according tosome embodiments of inventive concepts presented herein, be connectedwith one another in that at least two radiating devices of said largenumber N of radiating devices may be connected, wirelessly and/orotherwise, with one another. Further, imagine that each one of saidlarge number N of radiating devices uses an array of antenna elements toform a “pencil beam” in order to transmit energy/power directionallytowards a device that requires energy/power. Thus, a number N of pencilbeams may be formed. Further, imagine that N electromagneticwaves/signals that may be launched by said number N of radiatingdevices, via said array of antenna elements that may be used by each oneof said number N of radiating devices, are conditioned (in amplitudeand/or phase) so that upon interception by an antenna of said devicethat requires energy/power said N electromagnetic waves/signals (orcorresponding measures thereof) may combine substantially in-phase, orsubstantially coherently, on a voltage basis, at said antenna of saiddevice that requires energy/power. Based on the above, one skilled inthe art may appreciate that as N becomes very large, a power levelassociated with each one of said N pencil beams becomes very small.Accordingly, given a sufficiently large N, a concern of radiationabsorption by a living organism (human and/or otherwise) may diminishwhile a power level being delivered to said device that requiresenergy/power may remain unaffected or increase. It will be understoodthat the term “pencil beam” as used herein denotes a narrow/directionalantenna beam or pattern, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, that directs a largepercentage of a total radiated energy/power in substantially a desireddirection while minimizing a percentage of said energy/power that islaunched in direction(s) other than the desired direction. In someembodiments, at least 75% of said total radiated energy/power islaunched by the pencil beam in said desired direction. For comparison,FIG. 6B illustrates a broad antenna pattern other than a pencil beam.Further, it will be understood that “combine substantially in-phase” or“combine substantially coherently” as used herein denotes constructiveaddition of two or more quantities, each comprising an amplitude and aphase (such as, for example, two or more phasors/vectors), such thatupon combining a maximum phase-difference between any two of said two ormore quantities is relatively small (e.g., is no more than 10°, 20°, 30°or even 45°), as illustrated in FIG. 7.

Combining two vector/phasor quantities substantially coherently orsubstantially in-phase may be accomplished by, for example, having aDevice to be Powered (“DtbP”) transmit a Channel Sounding Signal (“CSS”) that may be received and processed by a First Radiating Device(“FRD”) and by a Second Radiating Device (“SRD”). Accordingly, the FRD(that may comprise a processor and/or a processor that is connected tothe FRD) may be used to determine/estimate a channel phase that existsbetween the DtbP and the FRD; and the SRD (that may comprise a processorand/or a processor that is connected thereto) may similarly be used todetermine/estimate a channel phase that exists between the DtbP and theSRD. Said determine/estimate a channel phase may be accomplished by, forexample, including one or more a priori known to the FRD and to the SRD(or a priori known to a processor connected thereto) pilot symbols/tonesin the CSS and/or via any other technique known to those skilled in theart. It will be understood that, in some embodiments, a plurality ofradiating devices may be connected to a single processor. In otherembodiments, each radiating device of a plurality of radiating devicesmay comprise a processor and may also be connected to a processor thatis common to, and is used to service all of, the plurality of radiatingdevices.

Using such information (i.e., channel phase information), the FRD mayradiate a first signal and the SRD may radiate a second signal such thatsaid first signal and said second signal may arrive at the DtbPsubstantially coherently therebetween. As an example, let's assume thatthe CSS as received by the SRD indicates a channel phase that is θdegrees greater than that associated with the FRD. That is, the CSS asreceived by the FRD indicates a channel phase that is θ degrees lessthan that associated with the SRD. Accordingly, if the FRD were totransmit a signal at a given phase and the SRD were to transmit thesignal at a phase equal to said given phase minus θ, then the twosignals would arrive at the DtbP substantially in-phase therebetween;i.e., the signal transmitted by the FRD and the signal transmitted bythe SRD would arrive at the DtbP substantially coherently therebetween;having a zero or near zero phase difference therebetween.

Alternatively, or in combination with the above, combining twovector/phasor quantities substantially coherently or substantiallyin-phase may be accomplished by, for example, using an approach asdescribed in the paper “Maximum-Power and Amplitude-EqualizingAlgorithms for Phase Control in Space Diversity Combining” whichappeared in The Bell System Technical Journal (“BSTJ”), Vol. 62, No. 1,January 1983 and is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety as if fully set forth herein. Accordingly, a first radiatingdevice may radiate a first signal via, for example, a first pencil beamand a second radiating device may radiate a second signal via, forexample, a second pencil beam and impose a phase modulation on saidsecond signal per the teachings of the above referenced BSTJ article. Asa DtbP receives said first and second signals, the DtbP and/or aprocessor thereof may detect an amplitude modulation, resulting fromsaid phase modulation, and relay said amplitude modulation (or a measurethereof) back to the second radiating device to be processed and used bythe second radiating device in adjusting a phase of said second signal.The approach of coherently combining two signals, as presented by thereferenced BSTJ article, may be extended to more than two signals. Forexample, a third signal may be transmitted by a third radiating devicevia, for example, a third pencil beam and impose a phase modulation onsaid third signal of a frequency that differs from the phase modulationfrequency imposed on said second signal. Accordingly, the DtbP and/orthe processor thereof may detect an amplitude modulation associated withsaid phase modulation of said third signal, and relay such amplitudemodulation (or a measure thereof) back to the third radiating device tobe processed and used by the third radiating device in adjusting a phaseof said third signal.

As an illustrative example, consider the following: If voltage V₁ isdelivered to a receiving antenna from a first radiating device andvoltage V₂ is delivered to said receiving antenna from a secondradiating device; and V₁ and V₂ add substantially coherentlytherebetween at the receiving antenna (let's assume zero phasedifference between them), then a total voltage of:

V₁+V₂ is generated at the receiving antenna;

wherein an associated power level is P=(V₁+V₂)²=V₁ ²+V₂ ²+2V₁V₂.

Assuming V₁=V₂=V, then P=4V². Accordingly, a power amplification (or apower concentration) over and above power addition of two radiators maybe provided in a desired direction and/or towards a desired point/regionof space where an antenna of a device to be supplied with energy/powermay be located. Having done so, a power being transmitted towardspoints/regions of space other than said desired point/region of spacemay be reduced (owing to power conservation).

According to some embodiments, frequencies that may be used by aplurality of radiating devices to deliver energy/power to one or moredevices in a home and/or business environment may be in a GHz range(e.g., at or greater than 1 GHz). As those skilled in the art canappreciate, as a frequency of operation increases, a size and/or costassociated with an array of antenna elements that may be needed to forma pencil beam may be reduced and it may become easier toinstall/integrate such radiating devices on/in walls, ceilings, floors,furniture and/or at other locations of said home and/or businessenvironment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a Device to be Powered (“DtbP”) wirelessly by using aPlurality of Radiating Devices (“PoRD”). FIG. 8 illustrates ten (10)radiating devices labeled one (1) through ten (10) that are attached toand/or integrated with one or more walls and/or a ceiling of a room of abuilding. In FIG. 8, the DtbP has been placed on a table in the room ofthe building that is equipped with said PoRD. FIG. 8 is provided forillustrative purposes only and the DtbP need not be placed on saidtable; the DtbP may be, for example, in a pocket of a user or at anyother place/location that is proximate/accessible to the PoRD. The PoRDmay be situated/placed anywhere in/around the room (not necessarily asillustrated in FIG. 8); the PoRD may, for example, be plugged intoelectrical wall outlets, may be hung on walls as decorative pieces(assuming they are so made in appearance) and/or may even be imbedded inand/or integrated with the floor and/or a cover thereof. It will beunderstood that the term Plurality of Radiating Devices (or PoRD) asused herein refers to a number of radiating devices that is greater thanor equal to two; wherein a radiating device comprises an antenna thatmay comprise a plurality of antenna elements, a power source and aprocessor that is connected to the radiating device and to at least onemore radiating device and controls said radiating device and said atleast one more radiating device to form one or more pencil beams anddeliver power to one or more devices to be powered.

As the DtbP determines that it requires power because, for example, abattery thereof needs charging and/or the DtbP is using power to performa function, the DtbP may transmit a request for power responsive to saiddetermination (i.e., a need for power) and, in some embodiments,responsive to having detected proximity to the PoRD. Said “havingdetected proximity” may comprise having at least one of said PoRDperiodically and/or otherwise transmit a signal that may be detected bythe DtbP. In some embodiments, in lieu of the above, or in combinationwith the above, the DtbP may transmit a signal comprising a solicitationfor power and/or a solicitation for a response from at least one deviceof a PoRD that may be in a position to provide power to the DtbP. Therequest/solicitation for power may comprise a wide-band and/or anUltra-Wide Band (“UWB”) signal component, that may be used by at leastsome of the PoRD to determine a location associated with the DtbP inaccordance with techniques known to those skilled in the art.Alternatively, or in combination with the above, at least some of saidPoRD, may each transmit a signal, which may comprise a wide-band and/orUWB component, that may be processed by the DtbP in order to determine aposition thereof relative to at least some of the PoRD. Accordingly, insome embodiments, the PoRD may assume a role and/or functionality (atleast partially) of the Global Positioning Satellites (“GPS”).

In some embodiments, one or more of the PoRD may use one or more pencilbeams to scan space for signal strength; e.g., one or more of the PoRDillustrated in FIG. 8 may use one or more pencil beams to scan spaceassociated with the room that is illustrated in FIG. 8. In someembodiments, said one or more of the PoRD may each form a pencil beamand use that pencil beam to determine received signal strength as afunction of pointing direction of the pencil beam. In other embodiments,two or more of the PoRD that may be connected with one another maycoordinate/share respective antenna elements in forming said one or morepencil beams and using said one or more pencil beams to scan space forsignal strength being radiated by a DtbP. In some embodiments, scanningspace via one or more pencil beams may, once initiated, be performedperiodically over an interval of time. Said interval of time maycorrespond to a length of time needed to charge a DtbP; saidperiodically may comprise, for example, once every 250 milliseconds oronce every 500 milliseconds (i.e., often enough) so as to maintaindynamic tracking of the DtbP in case the DtbP is moved (or is moving)while it is being charged/powered.

In some embodiments, initiating scanning of space as discussed abovecomprises the DtbP being equipped with a processor that is responsive toa battery state of the DtbP and, responsive to a value associated withsaid battery state of the DtbP, the processor controls the DtbP to beginto radiate a predetermined signal at a predetermined frequency. In someembodiments, the DtbP begins to radiate said predetermined signalresponsive to having detected by the DtbP a presence of the PoRD,irrespective of the battery state of the DtbP. In some embodiments, saidpredetermined signal comprises an intensity of power to be sent via apencil beam to the DtbP. It will be understood that, in accordance withsome embodiments, said predetermined signal comprises aspects that maybe predetermined and aspects that may not be predetermined. For example,a power level intensity that the DtbP requests may not be predeterminedand may depend on a level of discharge and/or other aspect of the DtbPor the battery thereof.

In some embodiments, responsive to receiving, processing and/ordetecting of said predetermined signal by a component of the PoRD or bya device that is connected to the PoRD, at least one of the PoRD maybegin scanning space for signal strength as described above. In someembodiments, for each one of the PoRD that may be involved in providingpower to the DtbP, a processor that is connected thereto (i.e., aprocessor that is connected to each one of the PoRD that may be involvedin providing power to the DtbP) may be used to determine an antennapointing direction that may be associated with a maximum (or nearmaximum) signal strength received at said each one of the PoRD inresponse to said predetermined signal having been radiated by said DtbPand associate therewith a specific pencil beam providing said maximum(or near maximum) signal strength at said each one of the PoRD. It willbe understood that in some embodiments, said each one of the PoRD thatmay be involved in providing power to the DtbP may be controlled by saidprocessor that is connected thereto in order for said each one of thePoRD to form a pencil beam that yields said maximum (or near maximum)signal strength, and to use said pencil beam to radiate electromagneticpower substantially in a direction of said maximum (or near maximum)signal strength. It will be understood that at least some forward-linkfrequencies launched by a pencil beam (e.g., frequencies launched by apencil beam in order to power the DtbP) may differ from return-linkfrequencies received by the pencil beam (e.g., frequencies associatedwith said predetermined signal that is radiated by the DtbP).

According to some embodiments, two or more DtbP may be in closeproximity with one another and may need to be powered. Responsive to adetection of a presence associated therewith (i.e., associated with thePoRD) and/or responsive to a need to be powered, the two or more DtbPmay communicate with one another (using, for example, a BLUETOOTH®protocol/frequency and/or any other protocol/frequency) and may thuscoordinate a first predetermined signal/frequency to be radiated by afirst DtbP, a second predetermined signal/frequency to be radiated by asecond DtbP, a third predetermined signal/frequency to be radiated by athird DtbP, etc. (It will be understood that the term “frequency” asused herein may include a plurality of frequencies). In suchembodiments, the two or more DtbP may be powered concurrently in time bythe PoRD or sequentially in time. In some embodiments, at least two DtbPare powered concurrently in time.

Powering concurrently in time two or more DtbP by a PoRD may comprise,according to some embodiments, a first PoRD powering the first DtbPusing a first frequency and a first plurality of pencil beams (or atleast one first pencil beam), a second PoRD powering the second DtbPusing a second frequency and a second plurality of pencil beams (or atleast one second pencil beam), a third PoRD powering the third DtbPusing a third frequency and a third plurality of pencil beams (or atleast one third pencil beam), etc. In some embodiments, any two of saidfirst, second and third frequencies may differ from one another and maybe devoid of overlap therebetween (i.e., may be substantially devoid ofcommon frequencies therebetween). In other embodiments, at least two ofsaid first, second and third frequencies may comprise an overlaptherebetween. In some embodiments, powering concurrently in time two ormore DtbP by a PoRD may comprise using by the PoRD a first frequency anda first set of pencil beams to power a first DtbP, using a secondfrequency and a second set of pencil beams to power a second DtbP, usinga third frequency and a third set of pencil beams to power a third DtbP,etc. The first, second and third sets of pencil beams may differ fromone another depending on respective first, second and third locations ofassociated devices to be powered. The first, second and thirdfrequencies may differ from one another and may correspond to respectivefirst, second and third frequencies used, respectively, by first, secondand third DtbP in transmitting, as discussed earlier, respective first,second and third predetermined signals. In some embodiments, the first,second and third sets of pencil beams differ therebetween responsive torespective first, second and third locations of respective first, secondand third devices to be powered differing therebetween, a first PoRD isused to provide power to the first DtbP using a frequency, a second PoRDis used to provide power to the second DtbP using the frequency and athird PoRD is used to provide power to the third DtbP using thefrequency. Other combinations, sub-combinations and/or variations of theembodiments described herein are possible.

It would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to describe in detailand/or illustrate every combination and/or sub-combination of theplurality of embodiments that are described herein. Accordingly, thepresent specification, including the drawings and Claims thereof shallbe construed to constitute a complete written description of allcombinations and/or sub-combinations of the embodiments describedherein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, andshall support Claims to any such combination and/or sub-combination.

Accordingly, a plurality of devices to be powered may be powered by thePoRD substantially concurrently in time and/or sequentially in time.Having determined by the PoRD a location of a first DtbP and a locationof a second DtbP, and having received by the PoRD respective requestsfor power from said first DtbP and from said second DtbP, at least someof the PoRD may form a first set of pencil beams and radiate power tothe first DtbP using the first set of pencil beams over a first durationof time; and at least some of the PoRD may form a second set of pencilbeams and use the second set of pencil beams to provide power to thesecond DtbP over a second duration of time that may be overlapping withthe first duration of time fully or partially or may not overlap with itat all as may be the case in providing power sequentially in time. Saidat least some of the PoRD that form the first set of pencil beams andradiate power to the first DtbP using the first set of pencil beams overa first duration of time and said at least some of the PoRD that form asecond set of pencil beams and use the second set of pencil beams toprovide power to the second DtbP over the second duration of time maycomprise a set of radiating devices that is common therebetween.According to some embodiments, the first and second durations of timemay overlap with one another (i.e., may occur concurrently).

A first frequency (or first frequencies) may be used by the PoRD toprovide power to said first DtbP and a second frequency (or secondfrequencies) may be used by the PoRD to provide power to said secondDtbP. The first frequency and the second frequency may comprise one ormore frequencies that are common therebetween or may comprise respectivefrequencies that are substantially mutually exclusive therebetween. Insome embodiments, a first set of frequencies, comprising a plurality offrequencies, may be used in lieu of or in combination with said firstfrequency and/or a second set of frequencies, comprising a plurality offrequencies, may be used in lieu of or in combination with said secondfrequency. The first set of frequencies may fully overlap with,partially overlap with or be mutually exclusive with the second set offrequencies. According to some embodiments, said set of frequencies(either the first, second or both) may comprise a spread spectrum signalin order to reduce a density of energy/power being radiated.

According to some embodiments, a first radiating device of the PoRD maybe selected to provide power to a DtbP responsive to a characteristic ofa line-of-sight path between said first radiating device and the DtbP.Said characteristic may comprise a strength of a signal that is radiatedby the DtbP and received/measured at/by said first radiating deviceand/or is radiated by the first radiating device and isreceived/measured at/by the DtbP. Further, a second radiating device ofthe PoRD may not be selected to provide power to a DtbP responsive to acharacteristic of a line-of-sight path between the second radiatingdevice and the DtbP. In some embodiments, responsive to said strength ofa signal that is radiated by a specific DtbP and received/measured at/bya specific radiating device and/or is radiated by the specific radiatingdevice and is received/measured at/by the specific DtbP, said specificradiating device may or may not be selected to provide power to saidspecific DtbP. In some embodiments, a specific radiating device isselected to provide power to a specific DtbP provided said strength ofsaid signal is greater than or equal to a threshold value; the specificradiating device is not selected otherwise. Such a measurementcomprising signal strength as described in the present paragraph may,according to some embodiments, be performed periodically (say once persecond, or more frequently than that) in order to account for anenvironment that may be changing effecting said strength of said signal.

Let N denote the total number of available radiating devices (N=10 inFIG. 8), and let M denote a number of radiating devices selected per theparagraph above; M N. In some embodiments, a “cycling” among the Mradiating devices may serve to scramble, randomize and/or reduce a levelof radiation impacting a specific location (this may be of benefit toliving organisms such as pets and/or humans). Accordingly, if M=7, forexample, a first set of radiating devices comprising, for example, three(3) radiating devices of the M devices may be activated to provide powerto a DtbP. Later, for example, one second later, a second set ofradiating devices comprising, for example, three (3) radiating devicesof the M devices that differ in at least one radiating device relativeto the first set, may be chosen to provide power to the DtbP. Ingeneral, it may be stated that if L₁<M and L₂<M wherein L₁ differs fromL₂ in the physical radiating devices that it represents (and/or in anumber of radiating devices that it represents) then, over a firstinterval of time said L₁ radiating devices of the M devices may beactivated to provide power to a DtbP and, over a second interval oftime, said L₂ radiating devices of the M devices may be activated toprovide power to the DtbP.

In some embodiments, a time-line of a sequence of events may comprisethe following:

(a) a DtbP enters an area being served by a PoRD;(b) the DtbP senses a presence of the PoRD (at least one of the PoRD ora transmitter and/or processor connected thereto is configured totransmit a presence signal);(c) the DtbP sends a request for power;(d) the request for power is acknowledged by the PoRD;(e) the DtbP begins to transmit a CSS once every T seconds; a durationof the CSS is τ seconds; wherein τ<T; in some embodiments, τ=T/2, T/3,T/4, T/5, T/6, T/7, T/8, T/9, T/10 or any other fraction of T;(f) each radiating device of the PoRD scans space via a pencil beam anddetermines direction of strongest pencil beam signal;(g) for the pencil beam offering strongest received signal a radiatingdevice estimates channel phase;(h) radiating device uses pencil beam offering strongest received signalto radiate power over a duration of time substantially equal to T−τseconds; phase of signal is adjusted responsive to detected channelphase for the pencil beam used.

Numerous other embodiments of systems/methods presented herein arepossible. For example, a wall of a room may be equipped with, forexample, a Heat Radiator (“HR”) comprising, for example, moisture thatmay, in some embodiments, be water moisture. In some embodiments, the HRmay be a portable device that may be situated anywhere within the room.Accordingly, responsive to a temperature of the room having fallen belowa threshold, the HR may request power from the PoRD. Responsive to sucha request, the PoRD may radiate electromagnetic power in a direction ofthe HR in order to heat the moisture of the HR (just like a microwaveoven would do) and thus provide heat energy to be radiated by the HR.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that as a duration oftime during which charging of a device/battery is to take placeincreases, a Power Spectral Density (“PSD”) level (or simply a powerlevel) being radiated and associated with said charging decreases.Accordingly, in some embodiments, a parameter that may beset/dictated/specified by a user of a device/battery to be chargedcomprises a duration of time during which said charging is to takeplace. In some embodiments, charging “overnight” may be selected whereina meaning of said overnight may be predetermined by the user or by amanufacturer of the device/battery to be charged. In other embodiments,a time to start charging and/or a time to end charging may be selected.A default charging rate may also be available in some embodiments. Insome embodiments, a detection of, for example, motion (or the absencethereof) may be used to change a charging rate of the device/battery tobe charged and, responsively, reduce (for the case where motion isdetected) or increase (for the case of motion being absent over apredetermined interval of time) a power level associated therewith thatis being radiated by one or more of the PoRD.

Systems/Methods of Trajectory Limiting (e.g., Altitude Limiting)

An object, such as for example a drone, may be equipped with variouselectrical and mechanical subsystems including a processor that, amongother operations/functions, may be configured to estimate the object'sgeographic position, including the object's altitude, or height,relative to a surface of the Earth (e.g., relative to a ground level)and, responsive to the object's geographic position, the processor mayperform operations comprising controlling said object's height suchthat, for example, the object's height does not exceed a predeterminedlimit; wherein said predetermined limit may be a priori associated withsaid object's geographic position that is estimated by said processor;and wherein said predetermined limit may be stored in a data base(internal and/or external to the object) that may be accessible to theobject. It will be understood that in addition to said processorcontrolling the object's height, other motion associated with the objectmay also be controlled (e.g., lateral motion may also be controlled andrestricted responsive to geographic position of the object). The objectmay become airborne, may receive command(s) to follow a trajectory andthe object may follow said trajectory as long as a height and/or othercoordinate associated therewith does not violate a “forbidden” limitsuch as, for example, a not-to-exceed height that may have been sodesignated and associated with a geographic area associated with saidtrajectory. For example, if a height associated with the trajectoryviolates a not-to-exceed predetermined height, a limit in height in theobject's trajectory may be imposed in accordance with said not-to-exceedpredetermined height.

The object may be a flying object that is manned or unmanned. The objectmay be a drone, as already mentioned above, or it may be an airplane(manned or unmanned), a missile and/or other airborne and/or spaceborneobject.

According to some embodiments, in lieu of the above or in combinationwith the above, the processor may perform operations comprisingcontrolling said object's height not to decrease below a predeterminedlower limit responsive to a geographic position that the object'strajectory is traversing; wherein said predetermined lower limit may bea priori associated with said object's geographic position that isestimated by said processor; and wherein said predetermined lower limitmay be stored in a data base that may be accessible to the object. Theobject may become airborne, may receive command(s) to follow atrajectory and the object may follow said trajectory as long as a heightassociated therewith does not violate, for example, said predeterminedlower limit height that may have been so designated and associated witha geographic area associated with said trajectory. If, for example, aheight associated with the trajectory attempts to violate saidpredetermined lower limit level, a restriction may be imposed inaccordance with said predetermined lower limit height.

More specifically, FIG. 9 illustrates a trajectory that is to beexecuted by an airborne object. The airborne object may be a drone orany other airborne object that may be equipped with said processor. Thetrajectory is to traverse (i.e., go over) geographic areas 1, 2 and 3 asis illustrated in FIG. 9. Each one of the illustrated areas (labelled asArea 1, Area 2 and Area 3 in FIG. 9), is associated with a not-to-exceedlimit in height, indicated in FIG. 9 as Height Limit 1 (or “H₁”), HeightLimit 2 (or “H2”) and Height Limit 3 (or “H₃”), respectively. We observethat the trajectory over Area 1 that would have exceeded H₁ (asindicated by the dashed line labelled “not allowed”) is now constrainedto not exceed Height Limit 1 (or “H₁”). In traversing Area 2, thetrajectory does not violate any not-to-exceed height limit and is,therefore, unaltered/unconstrained. However, in traversing Area 3, weobserve a “clipping” or a constraint being imposed on the trajectoryowing to the trajectory attempting to exceed H₃; the not-allowed dashedportion of the trajectory over Area 3 is prevented from materializing.Accordingly, a height of the trajectory over Area 3 is maintained at orbelow Height Limit 3.

It will be understood that although three Height Limits (H₁, H₂, H₃) areillustrated in FIG. 9 (corresponding to the three geographical areasArea 1, Area 2 and Area 3 of FIG. 9), more than three Height Limits (orless than three Height Limits) may be present, corresponding to more (orless) than three geographical areas. Further, it will be understood thateach one of the Height Limits may change over time. That is, H₁, forexample, may be assigned a value of 500 feet from, say, 5 AM to 1:30 PMand a value of 1,350 feet thereafter. Such a variation may be repeateddaily for a number of days after which it may change to some otherlimit/variation that may even include a “no fly zone” limit/variation(i.e., H₁=0).

FIG. 10 is illustrative of a system/method that may be used to control atrajectory of an object in accordance with various Height Limits overrespective various areas of geography as illustrated in FIG. 9. Thesystem/method includes an Antenna subsystem that may receive varioussignals to be processed by a Transceiver Electronics subsystem and aProcessor subsystem. As those skilled in the art can appreciate, theTransceiver Electronics subsystem may perform functions such asfiltering (at one or more stages thereof), amplification (at one or morestages thereof), down-conversion (or frequency shifting), sampling inorder to convert one or more signals from an analog domain to adiscrete-time domain, digitalization in order to represent signal valuesin terms of groupings of bits (or bytes) and/or other functions, notnecessarily in an order as may be suggested by the present paragraphand/or FIG. 10. According to some embodiments, some of the statedfunctions that may be performed by the Transceiver Electronics subsystemmay, at least partially, be allocated to, and performed by, theProcessor subsystem.

The Processor subsystem may receive Global Positioning System (“GPS”)signals and/or other signals and may process such GPS signals (and/orthe other signals) in order to determine (or estimate) athree-dimensional position thereof (and/or a three-dimensional positionof the flying object that may be the same as the three-dimensionalposition associated with the Processor subsystem). Responsive to saidthree-dimensional position of the flying object, an altitude (or height)thereof, a geographical area associated therewith and a Height Limitassociated with said geographical area, the Processor subsystem maydetermine that a trajectory of the flying object needs to be modified,constrained and/or restricted to, for example, not exceed apredetermined height that may be associated with said geographical area.Accordingly, the Processor subsystem may do so by providing appropriatecommand(s) to the Trajectory Control subsystem and may further provideinformation of its decision to limit a height, intent of doing so and/orhaving done so to a Ground Facility and/or to a Control Center that maybe providing a Trajectory Signal to the flying object. Said GroundFacility and/or Control Center may transmit a command to the Processorsubsystem responsive to having received therefrom said information inorder to provide further instruction(s) to the Processor subsystem. Saidfurther instruction(s) may comprise an identity, code, priority,biometric information and/or other information. The Ground Facility mayinclude a data base that may include said Height Limit associated withsaid geographical area. In some embodiments, the Ground Facility and theControl Center are integrated and/or connected (e.g., the GroundFacility comprises the Control Center and/or is connected to the ControlCenter or the Control Center comprises the Ground Facility and/or isconnected to the Ground Facility).

The description above relating to FIGS. 9 and 10 is, for the sake ofsimplicity, restricted to systems/methods of limiting a height to anot-to-exceed level responsive to a predetermined geographic position.However, analogous systems/methods may be provided for limiting a heightto above of, or at, a lower limit of height responsive to a geographicposition. Further, systems/methods may be provided for maintaining aheight between a lower limit and an upper limit responsive to ageographic position. For example, the limits of H₁, H₂, and H₃ of FIG.9, instead of representing upper height limits, as is the case in FIG.9, may represent lower height limits over respective geographic areas.FIG. 11 illustrates such an embodiment, while FIG. 12 illustrates anembodiment of maintaining a height between a lower limit and an upperlimit over certain geographic areas.

Additional Flowcharts of Operations and Block Diagrams of ElectronicNodes

FIGS. 13A-13D are flowcharts illustrating operations of electronicdevices/nodes, according to some embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts. For example, FIG. 13A illustrates operations by a transmitterTx device. The operations of the transmitter Tx include generating(Block 1310) a first signal χ (e.g., FIGS. 1A, 3A, 3D) and, further,generating (Block 1320) a second signal y (e.g., FIGS. 1B, 3A, 3D).Moreover, in some embodiments, the operations include transmitting(Block 1330) the first signal χ and the second signal y over different(e.g., orthogonal) respective first and second polarizations of thetransmitter Tx to a receiver Rx. In some embodiments, the first signal χcomprises first data that is to be conveyed by the transmitter Tx to thereceiver Rx and the second signal y comprises second data that is to beconveyed by the transmitter Tx to the receiver Rx. In other embodiments,the operations include transmitting a function of the first signal χ,χ′, and a function of the second signal y, y′, over different (i.e.,spatially distinct) respective first and second polarizations of thetransmitter Tx to the receiver Rx (wherein χ′ and y′ may be generatedfrom χ and y using functional relationships, as described earlier). Insome embodiments, said function of the first signal χ, χ′, comprises afirst functional relationship that depends on χ and/or one or morechannel coefficients; and said function of the second signal y, y′,comprises a second functional relationship that depends on y and/or oneor more channel coefficients (e.g., FIGS. 3A, 3D). In some embodiments,the first signal χ comprises first data that the transmitter Tx intendsto transmit to the receiver Rx and the signal y comprises second datathat the transmitter Tx intends to transmit to the receiver Rx; wherein,in some embodiments, the first and second data are independent of oneanother.

For example, the transmitter Tx may transmit the first signal χ (or χ′)via a vertical polarization V (e.g., a vertical polarization node/port)of the transmitter Tx, and may transmit the second signal y (or y′) viaa horizontal polarization H (e.g., a horizontal polarization node/port)of the transmitter Tx. In some embodiments, the transmitter Tx maytransmit the first signal χ (or χ′) and the second signal y (or y′)substantially concurrently therebetween in time, and/or substantiallyco-frequency therebetween, over the respective first and secondpolarizations. As an example, transmitting (Block 1330) operation(s) mayinclude concurrently transmitting, from a first electronic device (thetransmitter Tx) to a second electronic device (the receiver Rx), thesignals χ (or χ′) and y (or y′) via different first and secondpolarizations, respectively, of a cellular communications channel.Moreover, data in the first signal χ may be statistically independent ofdata in the second signal y. The signals χ′ and y′ may depend upondifferent first and second channel coefficients, respectively.

The ports V and H of the transmitter Tx may be different ports (e.g.,antennas) of the same first electronic device/node, and the ports V andH of the receiver Rx may be different ports (e.g., antennas) of the samesecond electronic device/node, which is separate from the firstelectronic device/node. Moreover, (i) the channel path between the portV of the transmitter Tx and the port V of the receiver Rx and (ii) thechannel path between the port V of the transmitter Tx and the port H ofthe receiver Rx may be first and second different channel paths of thesame propagation medium between the transmitter Tx and the receiver Rx.Also, (iii) the channel path between the port H of the transmitter Txand the port V of the receiver Rx and (iv) the channel path between theport H of the transmitter Tx and the port H of the receiver Rx may bethird and fourth different channel paths of that same propagation mediumbetween the transmitter Tx and the receiver Rx. In some embodiments, anyone of said first, second, third and fourth channel paths differs fromany other one of said first, second, third and fourth channel paths;wherein the term “differs” comprises a different spatial trajectoryand/or a different complex coefficient associated therewith.

Referring to FIG. 13B, a transmitter Tx that is to convey first andsecond data to a destination device, comprising a dual-polarizationreceiver Rx, may comprise one or more slave device(s) (e.g., S1 and/orS2 of FIGS. 3C/3D). In some embodiments, the slave device(s) may receive(Block 1305) the first and second data from a master device M (as isillustrated in FIG. 3C). In some embodiments, a plurality of slavedevices may receive the first and second data. Moreover, the slavedevice(s) may transmit (Block 1306) functions of the first and seconddata to the destination device, such as a base station BTS (FIG. 3C) viaa composite transmitter. The composite transmitter may comprise aplurality of transmitters, such as a first transmitter of a first slavedevice and a second transmitter of a second slave device (as isillustrated by the first/top and second/bottom dual-polarizationtransmitters, respectively, of FIG. 3D). For example, transmitting(Block 1306) via the composite transmitter may include using the firsttransmitter to perform the operation(s) in FIG. 13A of generating (Block1310) the first signal χ′ based on a first function of the first and/orsecond data, and further, generating (Block 1320) the second signal y′based on a second function of the first and/or second data, andtransmitting (Block 1330/1306) the first signal χ′ and the second signaly′ over different respective first and second polarizations (of thefirst transmitter). In some embodiments, for example, as is illustratedby the first dual polarization transmitter at the top of FIG. 3D, thefunction of the first signal is the first signal, χ′=χ, and/or thefunction of the second signal is the second signal, y′=y; wherein, asstated earlier for some embodiments, the first signal χ comprises firstdata that the transmitter Tx intends to transmit to the receiver Rx andthe signal y comprises second data that the transmitter Tx intends totransmit to the receiver Rx.

Referring still to FIG. 13B, the second transmitter of the compositetransmitter may generate (Block 1340) a third signal based on a thirdfunction of the first and/or second data, and a fourth signal based on afourth function of the first and/or second data (e.g., bottom portion ofFIG. 3D). Moreover, the second transmitter may transmit (Block 1350) thethird and fourth signals over different respective first and secondpolarizations of the second transmitter (e.g., bottom portion of FIG.3D). In some embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth signalsmay be transmitted substantially concurrently in time with one anotherand/or substantially co-frequency with one another.

Referring to FIG. 13C, a master device M (FIG. 3C) may wirelesslycommunicate (Block 1301) with at least one slave device that isproximate to the master device M. As an example, the master device M andthe slave device(s) may perform a preliminary communication. Forexample, the master device M and the slave device(s) may exchange theirrespective device identifications, device types (e.g., smartphone vs.base station), current locations, and/or device capabilities availablefor use. The master device M may subsequently wirelessly request (Block1302) from the slave device(s) a processing capability of the slavedevice(s). For example, the master device M may request electrical powerto be provided/delivered/transmitted to it by/from the slave device(s).The master device M may then wirelessly receive (Block 1303) anacknowledgment (“ACK”) from the slave device(s) that the slave device(s)can provide the processing capability. Moreover, the master device M canreceive (Block 1304) the processing capability from the slave device(s).For example, the slave device(s) of FIG. 3C may agree to transmitsignals (as illustrated in FIG. 3D) to the destination device on behalfof the master device M. In some embodiments, one or more of theoperations of FIG. 13C may be performed prior to at least one of theoperations of FIG. 13B. Alternatively, the operations of FIG. 13C may beperformed without performing the operations of FIG. 13B.

Referring to FIG. 13D, a receiver Rx (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A) may receive(Block 1331) first and second signals from a transmitter Tx, comprisingfunctions of signals χ (or χ′) and y (or y′) that the transmitter Tx hastransmitted. For example, the receiver Rx may receive functions of thefirst and second signals χ (or χ′) and y (or y′) that are transmitted bythe transmitter Tx (Block 1330) in FIG. 13A. In some embodiments, thereceiver Rx may receive the functions of the first and second signals χ(or χ′) and y (or y′) concurrently in time and co-frequency with oneanother over different respective polarizations (e.g., H and V) of thereceiver Rx. Moreover, the receiver Rx may process (Block 1332) thefunctions of the first and second signals χ (or χ′) and y (or y′) usingone or more channel coefficients (e.g., α_(VV), α_(VH), β_(HV), and/orβ_(HH)).

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an electronic device/node 1401, accordingto some embodiments of the present inventive concepts. Any device amonga transmitter Tx, a receiver Rx, a master device M (FIG. 3C), and slavedevice(s) S1/S2 (FIG. 3C) may include components of the electronicdevice/node 1401. For example, the electronic device/node 1401 may be awireless electronic user device, such as a smartphone, a smartwatch, atablet computer, or a laptop computer. Alternatively, the electronicdevice/node 1401 may be a base station BTS (FIG. 3C).

As illustrated in FIG. 14, an electronic device/node 1401 may include anantenna system 1446, a transceiver 1442, a processor (e.g., processorcircuit) 1451, and a memory 1453. Moreover, the electronic device/node1401 may optionally include a display 1454, a user interface 1452, amicrophone/speaker 1450, and/or a camera 1458.

A transmitter portion of the transceiver 1442 may convert information,which is to be transmitted by the electronic device/node 1401, intoelectromagnetic signals suitable for radio communications. A receiverportion of the transceiver 1442 may demodulate electromagnetic signals,which are received by the electronic device/node 1401. The transceiver1442 may include transmit/receive circuitry (TX/RX) that providesseparate communication paths for supplying/receiving RF signals todifferent radiating elements of the antenna system 1446 via theirrespective RF feeds. Accordingly, when the antenna system 1446 includestwo antenna elements, the transceiver 1442 may include twotransmit/receive circuits 1443, 1445 connected to different ones of theantenna elements via the respective RF feeds. For example, thetransmit/receive circuit 1443 may be connected to a Wi-Fi antenna or aclose/short-range (e.g., a BLUETOOTH® or Wi-Fi) antenna, whereas thetransmit/receive circuit 1445 may be connected to a cellular antenna.Moreover, in some embodiments, the antenna system 1446 may include firstand second cellular antennas that generate different first and secondpolarizations, respectively.

Referring still to FIG. 14, the memory 1453 can store computer programinstructions that, when executed by the processor circuit 1451, carryout operations of the electronic device/node 1401. In some embodiments,the memory 1453 can be a non-transitory computer readable storage mediumincluding computer readable program code therein that when executed bythe processor 1451 causes the processor 1451 to perform a methoddescribed herein. As an example, the memory 1453 can store computerreadable program code that can perform the operations illustrated inBlocks 1310 and 1320 of the flow chart of FIG. 13A or the operation(s)Block 1332 of the flow chart of FIG. 13D. Moreover, in some embodiments,the processor 1451 may coordinate with the transceiver 1442 to performthe operations illustrated in Blocks 1310 and 1320 of the flow chart ofFIG. 13A or the operation(s) Block 1332 of the flow chart of FIG. 13D.For example, the processor 1451 and/or the transceiver 1442 may use oneor more channel coefficients, to pre-compensate and/or pre-distort(before transmission) or post-compensate/post-distort (aftertransmission) for cross-polarized and/or co-polarized RF signals. Thememory 1453 can be, for example, a non-volatile memory, such as a flashmemory, that retains the stored data while power is removed from thememory 1453.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an example processor 1451 and memory 1453that may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present inventiveconcepts. The processor 1451 communicates with the memory 1453 via anaddress/data bus 1590. The processor 1451 may be, for example, acommercially available or custom microprocessor. In some embodiments,the processor 1451 may be a digital signal processor. Moreover, theprocessor 1451 may include multiple processors. The memory 1453 isrepresentative of the overall hierarchy of memory devices containing thesoftware and data used to implement various functions as describedherein. The memory 1453 may include, but is not limited to, thefollowing types of devices: cache, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash,Static RAM (SRAM), and Dynamic RAM (DRAM).

Referring still to FIG. 15, the memory 1453 may hold various categoriesof software and data, such as an operating system 1583. The processor1451 and memory 1453 may be part of an electronic device/node 1401.Accordingly, the operating system 1583 can control operations of theelectronic device/node 1401. In particular, the operating system 1583may manage the resources of the electronic device/node 1401 and maycoordinate execution of various programs by the processor 1451.

Increasing Channel Capacity/Throughput

According to additional inventive concepts, first and second devices, atleast one of which may be a mobile device such as, for example, asmartphone, may transmit/radiate, using respective antenna elementsthereof, respective first and second signals occurring concurrently intime therebetween. The first and second devices may alsotransmit/radiate co-frequency therebetween. As used herein, the phrase“concurrently in time therebetween” means that the first signal is beingtransmitted/radiated by an antenna of the first device over a firstinterval of time defined by t₁₁≤t≤t₁₂ and that the second signal isbeing transmitted/radiated by an antenna of the second device over asecond interval of time defined by t₂₁≤t≤t₂₂, where t₁₁≤t₂₁<t₁₂.Moreover, the phrase “co-frequency therebetween” means that the firstsignal that is being transmitted/radiated by the first device comprisesa frequency (or frequencies), and that the second signal that is beingtransmitted/radiated by the second device also comprises said frequency(or frequencies).

Referring now to FIG. 16, first and second devices 1601, 1602 areillustrated transmitting/radiating, concurrently in time therebetweenand co-frequency therebetween, signals ρ and q, respectively. Thesignals ρ and q may comprise a statistical independence therebetween.Signals that are unrelated to one another and/or represent differenttypes of information may be said to comprise a statistical independencetherebetween. For example, signal ρ may represent transmitting a voiceconversation while signal q may represent transmitting data associatedwith a picture or data associated with a chapter of a book. Stillreferring to FIG. 16, first and second antennas 1611, 1612 of a BTS areillustrated, receiving respective signals P and Q, responsive to thesignals ρ and q having been transmitted/radiated by said first andsecond devices 1601, 1602, respectively; wherein

P≡(h ₁₁)ρ+(h ₂₁)q;

Q≡(h ₁₂)ρ+(h ₂₂)q; and

wherein h₁₁, h₁₂, h₂₁ and h₂₂ denote channel coefficients that may becomplex-valued, time-varying and may also be frequency dependent, aswill be appreciated by those skilled in the art. It will be understoodthat in the expressions above for the signals P and Q, noise has beenignored for the sake of simplicity. As is further illustrated in FIG.16, linear combinations of the signals P and Q may be formed at the BTS,yielding the signals

P′≡P+τQ; and

Q′≡Q+σP;

wherein, by letting τ=−h₂₁/h₂₂ and τ=−h₁₂/h₁₁, the signals P′ and Q′ maybecome substantially decoupled/independent from one another yielding:

P′=[h ₁₁−(h ₁₂ h ₂₁ /h ₂₂)]ρ; and

Q′=[h ₂₂−(h ₁₂ h ₂₁ /h ₁₁)]q.

Finally, P′ may be multiplied by (or approximately by)1/[h₁₁−(h₁₂h_(2i)/h₂₂)] to yield substantially ρ, and Q′ may bemultiplied by (or approximately by) 1/[h₂₂−(h₁₂h₂₁/h₁₁)] to yieldsubstantially q.

Values of the channel coefficients h₁₁, h₁₂, h₂₁ and h₂₂ may beestimated using techniques known to those skilled in the art, such as,for example, by processing pilot signals. Pilot signals may be includedin signals ρ and q, and/or in other signals that may be received at theBTS from radiating/transmitting devices 1601 and 1602 and/or received atthe radiating/transmitting devices 1601 and 1602 from the BTS. In someembodiments, the channel coefficients h₁₁, h₁₂, h₂₁ and h₂₂ may beestimated at the BTS and/or by a processor (e.g., a processor 1451 (FIG.14)) associated therewith (that may be at the BTS in some embodiments).In other embodiments, such as, for example, in a TDD embodiment whereinforward and return links comprise common frequencies therebetween, andwherein the channel (or channels) involved in propagation from/toradiating/transmitting devices 1601 and 1602 to/from the BTS comprisesquasi-static and reciprocal characteristics, said channel coefficientsh₁₁, h₁₂, h₂₁ and h₂₂ may be estimated at the radiating/transmittingdevices 1601 and 1602 and used thereat, relayed to the BTS to be usedthereat and/or estimated at the BTS and used thereat and/or relayed tothe radiating/transmitting devices 1601 and 1602 to be used thereat.Accordingly, in such TDD embodiments, instead of multiplying P′ asdescribed above, at the BTS, by (or approximately by)1/[h₁₁−(h₁₂h₂₁/h₂₂)] to yield substantially ρ, and further multiplyingQ′ as described above, at the BTS, by 1/[h₂₂−(h₁₂h₂₁/h₁₁)], or by aquantity approximate to 1/[h₂₂−(h₁₂h₂₁/h₁₁)], to yield substantially q,such multiplications may be performed at/by the radiating/transmittingdevices 1601 and 1602 on signals ρ and q, respectively (as will furtherbe discussed below in reference to FIG. 19).

In some embodiments, respective pilot signal(s) of ρ and q comprisesubstantially different frequencies therebetween (or different FFT binstherebetween). This is to reduce/prevent overlap/interference between apilot signal of ρ and a pilot signal of q at, for example, the BTS andthus allow a BTS processor (or any other processor) to estimate saidchannel coefficients h₁₁, h₁₂, h₂₁ and h₂₂ more reliably. In accordancewith one convention (as illustrated in FIG. 16), a BTS antenna that isarbitrarily designated/labeled as “first” or “1611” may associate areceived signal whose pilot(s) are in “first” predetermined locationswith the signal ρ and with the channel coefficient h₁₁ whereas a signalbeing received by the same “1611” BTS antenna, whose pilot(s) are at“second” predetermined locations, may be associated with the signal qand with the channel coefficient h₂₁. Similarly, in accordance with theconvention, a BTS antenna that is arbitrarily designated/labeled as“second” or “1612” may associate a received signal whose pilots are in“first” predetermined locations with the signal ρ and with the channelcoefficient h₁₂ whereas a signal being received by the same “1612” BTSantenna, whose pilots are at “second” predetermined locations, may beassociated with the signal q and with the channel coefficient h₂₂.

It will be understood that instead of letting τ=−h₂₁/h₂₂ and σ=−h₁₂/h₁₁as described above, values of τ and σ may be set as follows: τ=−h₁₁/h₁₂and σ=−h₂₂/h₂₁ to yield:

P′=[h ₂₁−(h ₁₁ h ₂₂ /h ₁₂)]q; and

Q′=[h ₁₂−(h ₁₁ h ₂₂ /h ₂₁)]ρ.

Then, P′ may be multiplied by (or multiplied approximately by)1/[h₂₁−(h₁₁h₂₂/h₁₂)] to yield substantially q, and Q′ may be multipliedby 1/[h₁₂−(h₁₁h₂₂/h₂₁)], or may be multiplied by a quantity approximateto 1/[h₁₂−(h₁₁h₂₂/h₂₁)], to yield substantially ρ. Accordingly, in someembodiments, the quantity P′ may be used to provide an estimate of ρ orq depending on the setting of τ, as is further illustrated in FIG. 16,and the quantity Q′ may be used to provide an estimate of q or ρdepending on the setting of σ, as is further illustrated in FIG. 16.

The phrase “or multiplied approximately by” or “may be multiplied by aquantity approximate to” is used hereinabove to allow for embodiments inwhich a noise enhancement penalty may be reduced by deviating from“ideal channel inversion” or “ideal channel equalization.” That is, thequantities P′ and Q′ may include noise and/or interference terms thathave been omitted from the expressions above for the sake of simplicityand clarity. Thus, multiplying P′ above by, for example,1/[h₂₁−(h₁₁h₂₂/h₁₂)], as may be necessary to “ideally invert” or“ideally equalize” effects of propagation (and thus yield a quantitythat is substantially devoid of propagation effects/distortion to beused to deduce/estimate q), may substantially increase anoise/interference variance associated therewith, particularly if themagnitude of 1/[h₂₁−(h₁₁h₂₂/h₁₂)] is substantially greater than unity;(that is, particularly if |1/[h₂₁−(h₁₁h₂₂/h₁₂)]|>>1; wherein |•| denotesmagnitude of “•”). Similar statements may be made relative to Q′ above.

In some embodiments, a processor (e.g., a processor 1451 (FIG. 14)),that may be at the BTS, may be configured to perform operationscomprising:

forming the quantities P′≡P+τQ and Q′≡Q+σP; and

setting τ=−h₂₁/h₂₂ and σ=−h₁₂/h₁₁ therein.

In other embodiments, the processor, that may be at the BTS, may beconfigured to perform operations comprising: forming the quantities

P′≡P+τQ; and

Q′≡Q+σP;

and setting τ=−h₁₁/h₁₂ and σ=−h₂₂/h₂₁ therein. In further embodiments,the processor, that may be at the BTS, may be configured to performoperations comprising: forming the quantities

P′≡P+τQ; and

Q′≡Q+σP;

and setting τ=−h₂₁/h₂₂ and σ=−h₁₂/h₁₁ therein over a first interval oftime; and then, setting τ=−h₁₁/h₁₂ and σ=−h₂₂/h₂₁ therein over a secondinterval of time; or vice versa. In some embodiments, changing by saidprocessor from a first set of values of τ and σ to a second set ofvalues of τ and σ may be responsive to a change of a state of apropagation channel (or propagation medium); wherein the change of thestate of the propagation channel may comprise a change therein infading, attenuation, interference and/or noise.

Thus, in accordance with the inventive concepts described above, aplurality of devices may transmit/radiate a plurality of signals,respectively, using a respective plurality of antennas thereof; whereinsaid plurality of signals may be transmitted/radiated concurrently intime therebetween and co-frequency therebetween. It will be understoodthat even though only two devices 1601, 1602 are illustrated in FIG. 16as transmitting/radiating two respective signals, ρ and q, concurrentlyin time therebetween and co-frequency therebetween, the inventiveconcepts described herein are not limited to two devices. In someembodiments, a number of devices that is greater than two may be used totransmit/radiate, concurrently in time therebetween and co-frequencytherebetween, a number of respective signals that is greater than two.In such embodiments, a number of BTS antennas may be greater than two.That is, in such embodiments, a BTS that is receiving said number ofsignals that is greater than two may comprise an antenna systemcomprising a number of distinct antenna elements that is greater thantwo (e.g., a number of spaced-apart antenna elements that is greaterthan two).

In some embodiments, a number of antennas (or antenna elements) at/of aBTS may be greater than one (i.e., two or more) in order to allowprocessing at the BTS as described earlier and as illustrated in FIG.16. Said number of antennas (or antenna elements) at/of the BTS may besubstantially localized on one antenna tower at/of the BTS, at varioushorizontal and/or vertical positions thereof, or may be distributed overa plurality of antenna towers at/of the BTS, spanning a geographic areathat is associated with said BTS. Further, at least some of said numberof antennas (or antenna elements) may be connected to the BTS and may bepositioned at/on houses, buildings, water towers, utility poles/towersand/or other structures, spanning the geographic area that is associatedwith the BTS.

In some embodiments, each one of a plurality of houses and/or otherstructures spanning a geographic area that is associated with a BTS maybe equipped with electronics and an antenna system; wherein saidelectronics and antenna system may be termed/labeled as an auxiliarybase station (“Auxiliary BTS” or “AuBTS”; as illustrated in FIG. 21),that may be connected to the BTS and may be configured to performoperations comprising: receiving, directly and/or indirectly via one ormore intermediary electronic devices (as illustrated in FIGS. 20 and/or21), information from a plurality of transmitting/radiating devices(such as the devices 1601, 1602 illustrated in FIG. 16) and relaying thereceived information from the transmitting/radiating devices to the BTS;and receiving information from the BTS (wirelessly and/or otherwise) andtransmitting/radiating the information that is received from the BTS tosaid plurality of transmitting/radiating devices directly thereto and/orvia one or more intermediary electronic devices (it will be understoodthat the transmitting/radiating devices 1601, 1602 of FIG. 16 are alsocapable of receiving).

In accordance with some embodiments, a wireless provider/operator, suchas, for example, VERIZON WIRELESS®, may deploy an “antenna farm” overthe service area of the BTS; wherein each element of the antenna farmmay be connected to the BTS; wherein “antenna farm” means that each of aplurality of houses and/or other structures spanning the geographic areathat is associated with the BTS may be equipped with electronics and anantenna system; and wherein the electronics and the antenna system maybe connected to the BTS and may be configured to perform operations asstated above. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that as a densityof the antenna farm increases over the geographic area that isassociated with the BTS, a frequency reuse associated with the antennafarm increases and a power radiated to/from the antenna farm per devicebeing served by, and communicating with, the antenna farm (and,therefore, with the BTS) decreases. Furthermore, a distance between acomponent of the antenna farm (e.g., a distance between an antenna ofthe antenna farm) and a device being served by, and communicating with,the component of the antenna farm decreases. Accordingly, frequencieshigher than conventional cellular frequencies may be used, at least inproviding forward-link communications. The term “electronics” as usedabove may comprise amplification, frequency translation, regeneration ofdata, reformatting of data, filtering, conversion from one air interfaceto another air interface and/or any other signal processing operation.

It will also be understood that, in some embodiments, at least one ofthe signals p and q may be a four-dimensional signal comprising twospatial dimensions and, for each spatial dimension, two phasedimensions. That is, at least one of the signals ρ and q may comprise avertical component (“V-component”) and may further comprise a horizontalcomponent (“H-component”) that are substantially in spatial quadraturetherebetween (at least at the point of being launched); wherein theV-component comprises an in-phase (“I”) component and a quadrature (“Q”)component that are in substantial phase quadrature therebetween (atleast at the point of being launched); and wherein the H-component alsocomprises an I component and a Q component that are in substantial phasequadrature therebetween (at least at the point of being launched). Insome embodiments, each one of the signals ρ and q may be afour-dimensional signal. Accordingly, in embodiments relating tofour-dimensional signal transmission/reception, antennas associatedtherewith may each be of a two-dimensional nature, comprising, forexample, a vertically polarized element and a horizontally-polarizedelement. Referring to FIG. 16, if, for example, the signal ρ comprises afour-dimensional signal, an antenna of device 1601 that is launching thesignal ρ comprises a two-dimensional nature that may comprise avertically polarized element and a horizontally polarized element. Also,antennas 1611 and 1612 of the BTS each may comprise a two-dimensionalnature that may comprise a first element that is polarized in a firstaspect/dimension (e.g., a vertically polarized element) and a secondelement that is polarized in a second aspect/dimension (e. g., ahorizontally polarized element).

It will be understood that according to some embodiments of inventiveconcepts described herein, each one of first and second signals that maybe radiated/transmitted by respective first and second devices, may be amulti-dimensional signal; wherein, in some embodiments, themulti-dimensional signal comprises four dimensions; and wherein saidfirst and second signals may be statistically independent therebetween.Further, it will be understood that a first dimension of eachmulti-dimensional signal may comprise a signal that is statisticallyindependent from a signal that is included in a second dimension of saidmulti-dimensional signal.

According to embodiments wherein each one of two signals, such as, forexample, the two signals ρ and q of FIG. 16, is a four-dimensionalsignal and, as described earlier and is illustrated in FIG. 16, the twosignals ρ and q are transmitted concurrently in time therebetween andco-frequency therebetween, in order to increase a channel capacity orthroughput, a BTS receiver may be configured to perform operationscomprising: jointly processing first and second signals received byrespective first and second antennas of the BTS to reduce aninterdependence (or interference) therebetween caused by a propagationmedium; and thus derive processed first and second signals that aresubstantially statistically independent and/or unrelated/decoupledtherebetween; for example, jointly processing the two signals P and Q ofFIG. 16 to reduce an interdependence/interference/coupling therebetweencaused by propagation, such that resulting signals P′ and Q′ of FIG. 16,following said jointly processing, are substantially statisticallyindependent and/or unrelated/decoupled therebetween; and then,processing said processed first and second signals that aresubstantially statistically independent and/or unrelated/decoupledtherebetween to reduce an interference from a first polarization thereofinto a second polarization thereof. In some embodiments, the order ofsaid operations, as described above, may be reversed in thatinterference from said first polarization into said second polarizationmay be reduced first followed by a reduction of interference caused bythe propagation medium within a given polarization.

It will be understood that even though FIG. 16 illustrates transmissionof signals p and q to a BTS by respective first “1601” and second “1602”devices, at least one of which (or each one of which) may be a mobiledevice such as, for example, a smartphone, the BTS may also transmitfirst and second signals, S_(BTS1) and S_(BTS2) (FIG. 17), respectively,in order to convey signals p′ and q′ to the first and second devices,respectively. In accordance with a first mode of operation of the BTS,“mode 1” of the BTS, the BTS may transmit the first and second signals,S_(BTS1) and S_(BTS2), respectively, concurrently in time with thetransmissions of the first and second devices 1601, 1602 andnon-co-frequency with the transmissions of the first and second devices1601, 1602; or the BTS may transmit the first and second signals,S_(BTS1) and S_(BTS2), respectively, non-concurrently in time with thetransmissions of the first and second devices 1601, 1602 and further,non-co-frequency with the transmissions of the first and second devices1601, 1602 (wherein the term “non-co-frequency” means using frequenciesother than those used by the first and second devices 1601, 1602). Inaccordance with a second mode of operation of the BTS, “mode 2” of theBTS, the BTS may radiate and/or wirelessly transmit the first and secondsignals, S_(BTS1) and S_(BTS2), respectively, non-concurrently in timewith the transmissions of the first and second devices 1601, 1602 andthe BTS may do so co-frequency therewith. In mode 2, the BTS may be saidto operate in accordance with a TDD mode and in accord with a channelreciprocity principle wherein an invariance in channel coefficientvalues is provided/assumed between forward- and return-linktransmissions using the same frequency (or frequencies). In the TDDmode, the BTS may transmit the first and second signals, S_(BTS1) andS_(BTS2), in order to convey the signals ρ′ and q′ to the first andsecond devices 1601, 1602, respectively, using the same frequencies thatare also used by the first and second devices 1601, 1602 to transmit thesignals ρ and q to the BTS. It will be understood, however, that in someembodiments wherein a bandwidth of ρ′ and/or q′ exceeds that of ρ and/orq, the BTS operating in the TDD mode may also use frequencies other thanthose used by the first and second devices 1601, 1602 to transmit thesignals ρ and q to the BTS. In such embodiments, channel reciprocity mayhold over a first frequency interval while over a second frequencyinterval channel reciprocity may not hold requiring processing by thedevices 1601 and 1602 in order to estimate channel coefficient valuesover said second frequency interval.

FIG. 17 illustrates the BTS in the TDD mode, wherein the BTS istransmitting the first and second signals, S_(BTS1) and S_(BTS2),respectively, using respective first and second antennas 1611, 1612thereof, in order to convey signals ρ′ and q′ to the first and seconddevices 1601, 1602, respectively; wherein the BTS is doing so using thesame frequencies as used by the first and second devices 1601, 1602 totransmit the signals ρ and q to the BTS. Furthermore, still referring toFIG. 17, the channel is assumed to be, and is illustrated as being,reciprocal and quasi-static. That is, a channel gain (or channelcoefficient), such as, for example, the channel gain “h₁₁” of FIG. 16,that is associated with propagation from device 1601 to BTS antenna 1611at a given frequency is also used in FIG. 17 to characterize the channelgain associated with propagation by a signal from BTS antenna 1611 todevice 1601 at the frequency, as is illustrated in FIG. 17; this relatesto the reciprocity aspect of the channel. Similarly, a channel gain,such as the channel gain “h₁₂” of FIG. 16, that is associated withpropagation from device 1601 to BTS antenna 1612 at a given frequency isalso used in FIG. 17 to characterize the channel gain associated withpropagation by a signal from BTS antenna 1612 to device 1601 at thefrequency, as is illustrated in FIG. 17; this also relates to thereciprocity aspect of the channel. Channel reciprocity may also be seenillustrated in FIG. 17, relative to the FIG. 16 channel gains of h₂₂ andh₂₁. Further, if the channel coefficients change slowly relative to thetransmit-receive TDD cycle, then this relates to the quasi-static aspectof the channel and allows the same coefficient values to besubstantially valid and useable for both receive and transmit processingoperations.

Still referring to FIG. 17, the BTS is to relay a signal ρ′ to device1601 and a signal q′ to device 1602. To accomplish this, the BTS, usinga processor (e.g., a processor 1451 (FIG. 14)) thereof, may form (i.e.,generate) and transmit signals S_(BTS1) and S_(BTS2) using respectivefirst “1611” and second “1612” antennas thereof, as is illustrated inFIG. 17; wherein

S _(BTS1)≡ρ′{1/[h ₁₁−(h ₁₂ h ₂₁ /h ₂₂)]}+u′q′{1/[h ₂₂−(h ₁₂ h ₂₁ /h₁₁)]}, and

S _(BTS2) ≡q′{1/[h ₂₂−(h ₁₂ h ₂₁ /h ₁₁)]}+ω′ρ′{1/[h ₁₁−(h ₁₂ h ₂₁ /h₂₂)]}.

Accordingly, it may be shown that, by setting u′=−h₁₂/h₁₁ andω′=−h₂₁/h₂₂, aggregate signals received at devices 1601 and 1602,denoted as “S_(D1)” and “S_(D2)”, respectively, comprise the signals ρ′and q′, respectively, as intended by the BTS. In some embodiments, theantennas 1611 and 1612 of the BTS may be “flipped,” in that BTS antenna1611 may be used to transmit/radiate S_(BTS2) and BTS antenna 1612 maybe used to transmit/radiate S_(BTS1). Doing so, while using thereciprocal values of the above values of u′ and ω′, i.e., settingu′=−h₁₁/h₁₂ (instead of u′=−h₁₂/h₁₁) and setting ω′=−h₂₂/h₂₁ (instead ofω′=−h₂₁/h₂₂), continues to yield the aggregate signals S_(D1) andS_(D2), at devices 1601 and 1602, respectively, comprising,respectively, the signals ρ′ and q′ as intended by the BTS.

Next, we consider the case wherein the BTS is operating in mode 1; thatis, in a mode wherein frequencies used by the BTS to radiate/transmitthe signals S_(BTS1) and S_(BTS2) differ from frequencies used bydevices 1601 and 1602 to radiate/transmit the signals ρ and q.Accordingly, channel reciprocity may not be assumed to hold. Referringto FIG. 18, the BTS is to relay a signal ρ′ to device 1601 and a signalq′ to device 1602 concurrently in time therebetween and co-frequencytherebetween. However, the BTS is to relay the signal ρ′ to device 1601and the signal q′ to device 1602 using frequencies that differ fromthose used by device 1601 and device 1602 to relay the signals ρ and q,respectively, to the BTS (i.e., the BTS is to relay the signal ρ′ todevice 1601 and the signal q′ to device 1602 not co-frequency witheither one of radiated/transmitted signals ρ and q that areradiated/transmitted to the BTS by devices 1601 and 1602, respectively).Referring to FIG. 18, it is seen that (ignoring noise and/orinterference effects) an aggregate signal at device 1601, S_(D1),comprises a linear combination of signals ρ′ and q′:

S _(D1)=(h ₁₁)′ρ′+(h ₂₁)′q′.

Similarly, (ignoring noise and/or interference effects) an aggregatesignal at device 1602, S_(D2), comprises a linear combination of signalsρ′ and q′:

S _(D2)=(h ₁₂)′ρ′+(h ₂₂)′q′.

wherein the channel coefficients (h₁₁)′, (h₁₂)′, (h₂₁)′ and (h₂₂)′define various forward-link transmission gains/attenuations associatedwith propagation from the first and second BTS antennas 1611, 1612, tothe first and second devices 1601, 1602, as illustrated in FIG. 18; andwherein such coefficients may, in general, be frequency-dependent,time-varying and/or complex-valued. It will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that a BTS may radiate/transmit to more than twodevices concurrently in time therebetween and co-frequency therebetween.For example, a BTS may use three antennas, any two of which may bespaced apart therebetween, to radiate/transmit signals ρ′, q′ and r′ torespective first, second and third devices, at least one of which (oreach one of which) may be a mobile device such as, for example, asmartphone.

Still referring to FIG. 18, the two devices, device 1601 and device1602, that receive signals S_(D1) and S_(D2), respectively, may beconfigured to perform various processing operations comprising:exchanging information therebetween, comprising device 1601 relayingS_(D1), (h₁₁)′ and/or (h₂₁)′ to device 1602 and/or device 1602 relayingS_(D2), (h₂₂)′ and/or (h₁₂)′ to device 1601. In some embodiments,unlicensed frequencies may be used by device 1601 to relay S_(D1),(h₁₁)′ and/or (h₂₁)′ to device 1602 and/or by device 1602 to relayS_(D2), (h₂₂)′ and/or (h₁₂)′ to device 1601. In other embodiments,licensed frequencies may be used by device 1601 to relay S_(m), (h₁₁)′and/or (h₂₁)′ to device 1602 and/or by device 1602 to relay S_(D2),(h₂₂)′ and/or (h₁₂)′ to device 1601. In some embodiments, wherein device1601 and device 1602 are proximate therebetween (e.g., are proximate toone another and are, for example, within 100 feet or less of oneanother) said device 1601 relaying S_(D1), (h₁₁)′ and/or (h₂₁)′ todevice 1602 and/or device 1602 relaying S_(D2), (h₂₂)′ and/or (h₁₂)′ todevice 1601 may comprise direct relaying that is devoid of interveningelements being present and being used between device 1601 and device1602 as relay stations to perform the relaying. In other embodiments,that may comprise a distance between device 1601 and device 1602exceeding a proximity criterion (such as, for example, the two devicesbeing at a distance that exceeds 100 feet from one another and/or ablockage and/or signal attenuation therebetween exceeding a threshold)intervening elements may be used as relay stations in performing therelaying. It will be understood that a relay station (which may comprisea device identical to, or similar to, device 1601 or device 1602) may beconfigured to perform operations comprising: coordinating signaltransmission strengths with device 1601, device 1602 and/or with anotherrelay station, receiving data, demodulating the data, regenerating thedata and/or reformatting the data and retransmitting the data.

Still referring to FIG. 18, at least one of device 1601 and device 1602may include a processor (e.g., a processor 1451 (FIG. 14)) that may beconfigured to perform operations, as illustrated at the bottom of FIG.18, comprising: processing first and second signals, respectivelycomprising aggregate signals received at device 1601 and at device 1602,S_(D1) and S_(D2), to form (i.e., generate) processed signals (S_(D1))′and/or (S_(D2))′; wherein said processing first and second signals maycomprise jointly processing the first and second signals; and wherein:

(S _(D1))′=S _(D1) +τ′S _(D2); and (S _(D2))′=S _(D2) +σ′S _(D1);

as illustrated at the bottom of FIG. 18; wherein τ′ may be set toτ′=−(h₂₁)′/(h₂₂)′ to yield:

(S _(D1))′=ρ′[(h ₁₁)′−(h ₁₂)′(h ₂₁)′/(h ₂₂)′];

wherein the above value of (S_(D1))′ may be divided by[(h₁₁)′−(h₁₂)′(h₂₁)′/(h₂₂)′] to yield ρ′; and wherein σ′ may be set toσ′=−(h₁₂)′/(h₁₁)′ to yield:

(S _(D2))′−q′[(h ₂₂)′−(h ₁₂)′(h ₂₁)′/(h ₁₁)′],

wherein the above value of (S_(D2))′ may be divided by[(h₂₂)′−(h₁₂)′(h₂₁)′/(h₁₁)′] to yield q′.

It will be understood that, in some embodiments each one of device 1601and device 1602 may perform the processing described above and mayexchange information in order to compare results therebetween. It willalso be understood that device 1601 and/or device 1602 may, in someembodiments, communicate the values of the various channel coefficientsto the BTS so that, subject to a quasi-static channelcondition/assumption, the BTS may perform the divisions discussed aboveby dividing ρ′ by [(h₁₁)′−(h₁₂)′(h₂₁)′/(h₂₂)′] and transmittingS_(BTS1)=ρ′/[(h₁₁)′−(h₁₂)′(h₂₁)′/(h₂₂)′] instead of transmittingS_(BTS1)=ρ′; and also dividing q′ by [(h₂₂)′−(h₁₂)′(h₂₁)′/(h₁₁)′] andtransmitting a quantity in accordance with said dividing,S_(BTS2)=q′/[(h₂₂)′−(h₁₂)′(h₂₁)′/(h₁₁)′], instead of transmittingS_(BTS2)=q′.

FIG. 19 is analogous/similar to FIG. 17 in signal processing methodologybut instead of the BTS radiating/transmitting signals (as is the case inFIG. 17), in FIG. 19 it is device 1601 and device 1602radiating/transmitting signals to the BTS. The two devices that areillustrated in FIG. 19 exchange information therebetween comprisingsignals that each is to convey to the BTS. Device 1601 is to convey asignal ρ to the BTS and relays signal ρ (or a measure/function thereof)to device 1602, whereas device 1602 is to convey signal q to the BTS andrelays signal q (or a measure/function thereof) to device 1601. Then, insome embodiments, device 1601 may perform operations comprising:radiating/transmitting to the BTS a first composite signal ρ+uq and,further, device 1602 may perform operations comprising:radiating/transmitting to the BTS a second composite signal q+ωρ. Giventhe channel coefficients/gains that are illustrated/specified in FIG.19, and letting u=−h₂₁/h₁₁ and ω=−h₁₂/h₂₂ it may be shown that, in someembodiments, BTS antenna 1611 receives an aggregate signalP″=ρ[h₁₁−(h₁₂h₂₁/h₂₂)] which may be divided by [h₁₁−(h₁₂h₂₁/h₂₂)] toyield the signal ρ; and, in some embodiments, BTS antenna 1612 receivesan aggregate signal Q″=q[h₂₂−(h₁₂h₂₁/h₁₁)] which may be divided by[h₂₂−(h₁₂h₂₁/h₁₁)] to yield the signal q.

Still referring to FIG. 19, it will be understood that devices 1601 and1602 may have knowledge of the channel coefficients/gains by, forexample, having the BTS estimate values associated therewith and relaysuch values to devices 1601 and 1602. Alternatively, in a TDD mode(i.e., according to a TDD embodiment) wherein the BTS and the devices1601 and 1602 communicate bi-directionally therebetween using the samefrequencies on forward and return links thereof, and wherein aquasi-static channel condition may be assumed, the devices 1601 and 1602may respectively form/generate the signals ρ′=ρ/[h₁₁−(h₁₂h₂₁/h₂₂)] andq′=q/[h₂−(h₁₂h₂₁/h₁₁)], and convey the signals ρ′ and q′ therebetween(instead of conveying signals ρ and q therebetween) and then,radiate/transmit ρ′+uq′ and q′+ωρ′, respectively, instead ofradiating/transmitting ρ+uq and q+ωρ, respectively. The devices 1601 and1602 may also estimate values of the various channel coefficients/gainsand exchange such information with one another in order to be able toform values of u and ω and form the signals ρ′ and q′ as describedabove.

Still referring to FIG. 19, values other than u=−h₂₁/h₁₁ and ω=−h₁₂/h₂₂are possible. For example, u and ω may be set as follows: u=−h₂₂/h₁₂ andω=−h₁₁/h₂₁ to yield at the BTS P″=q[h₂₁−(h₁₁h₂₂/h₁₂)] andQ″=ρ[h₁₂−(h₁₁h₂₂/h₂₁)]; wherein device 1601 radiates/transmits to theBTS the first composite signal ρ+uq and device 1602 radiates/transmitsto the BTS the second composite signal q+ωρ. It will be understood thatP″=q and Q″=ρ provided that the composite signals ρ′+uq′ and q′+ωρ′ aretransmitted instead of ρ+uq and q+ωρ. In some embodiments, devices 1601and 1602 may radiate/transmit using u=−h₂₁/h₁₁ and ω=−h₁₂/h₂₂ over afirst interval of time and may then radiate transmit using u=−h₂₂/h₁₂and ω=−h₁₁/h₂₁ over a second interval of time. In some embodiments, achoice of values for u and ω is made responsive to a channel state.

It will be understood that any of the inventive concepts and/orembodiments disclosed herein and applicable to the BTS and/or to aforward-link(s) thereof may also be applicable to devices 1601 and 1602and/or a return-link(s) thereof. Also, any of the inventive conceptsand/or embodiments disclosed herein in reference to devices 1601 and1602 and/or to return-link(s) thereof may also be applicable to the BTSand/or to forward-link(s) thereof.

It would indeed be unduly repetitious/tedious and obfuscating todescribe in detail and illustrate every combination, sub-combinationand/or variation of embodiments described herein that is/are possibleusing aspects, alternatives, variations, elements, architectures and/orparameters of embodiments already described. For example, inventiveconcepts and embodiments relating to radiating/transmitting signals by aBTS (as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 17 and/or in FIG. 18), mayalso be applied to radiating/transmitting signals by, for example,device 1601 and/or device 1602 of FIG. 17 and/or FIG. 18. Accordingly,the present description shall be construed to constitute a completewritten description that supports each and every possible combination,sub-combination and/or variation of embodiments described herein and ofany combination, sub-combination and/or variation of aspects,architectures, elements and/or parameters associated therewith, and ofthe manner and process of making and using them, and shall supportClaims to any such combination, sub-combination and/or variation.

Given the proliferation of electronic devices, such as, for example,smartphones, a first electronic device, such as, for example, a sourcedevice 2001, as illustrated in FIG. 20, that may comprise a smartphone(and, in some embodiments, a plurality of smartphones), may conveyinformation to a second electronic device that may be connected to oneor more other electronic devices, at least one of which is connected toa BTS Destination. The term “connected” as used herein includeswirelessly connected or coupled. More specifically, FIG. 20 illustratesa source device 2001 conveying (i.e., transmitting) information to afirst electronic device ED11 that is on a path (labeled as “path 1”)leading to a Proximity of the BTS Destination region. The electronicdevice ED11 is illustrated as being connected to another electronicdevice ED12 and conveying information to the electronic device ED12 thatis also on path 1 leading to the Proximity of the BTS Destinationregion. The electronic device ED12 is illustrated as being connected toa further electronic device ED13 and conveying information to theelectronic device ED13, which is also on path 1 leading to the Proximityof the BTS Destination region. Further, FIG. 20 illustrates theelectronic device ED12 being connected to the electronic device ED21 andconveying information to the electronic device ED21, which is on a path2 that also leads to the Proximity of the BTS Destination region. Thus,information may be relayed from a first electronic device to a secondelectronic device on path 1 and/or on path 2 until the informationreaches a region labelled as Proximity of the BTS Destination in FIG.20. As is further illustrated in FIG. 20, the electronic device labeledas ED1N in FIG. 20, that is on path 1 and within the Proximity of theBTS Destination region, may be configured to perform operationscomprising: relaying information to a BTS Destination 2011 (i.e., a BTS)that is inside the Proximity of the BTS Destination region and/orrefraining from relaying information to a subsequent electronic devicethat is outside of said Proximity of the BTS Destination region, suchas, for example, the electronic device labeled as ED1(N+1) in FIG. 20.In addition to the above, or in lieu of the above, as is furtherillustrated in FIG. 20, the electronic device labeled as ED25 in FIG.20, that is on path 2 and within the Proximity of the BTS Destinationregion, may be configured to perform operations comprising: relayinginformation to the BTS Destination 2011 and/or refraining from relayinginformation to a subsequent electronic device that is outside of saidProximity of the BTS Destination.

At least some of the electronic devices that are illustrated in FIG. 20comprise electronic devices installed in/on motor vehicles and may,accordingly, be in-motion relative to one another, relative to thesource device 2001 and/or relative to the BTS Destination 2011. It willbe understood that at least some of the electronic devices that areillustrated on FIG. 20 may be positioned at fixed locations (relative toEarth's ground) along/near a path, such as, for example, path 1 and/orpath 2 of FIG. 20; wherein the path (e.g., path 1 and/or path 2) mayrepresent a road and/or highway. Thus, for example, in accordance withFIG. 20 and the description associated therewith, any two electronicdevices, of a plurality of electronic devices, such as, for example, theelectronic devices illustrated in FIG. 20, may be connectedtherebetween, directly and/or via one or more intervening electronicdevice(s), may be connected to a source device 2001 and may be connectedto a BTS Destination 2011 using a set of frequencies that may comprisefrequencies licensed for cellular communications, unlicensed frequenciesand/or frequencies that exceed (in cycles per second or in “Hz”) thosefrequencies licensed for cellular communications. In some embodiments,said set of frequencies includes frequencies that exceed 5 GHz and, inother embodiments, said set of frequencies includes frequencies thatexceed 10 GHz or even 20 GHz.

Still referring to FIG. 20, a relatively small distance may existbetween a first device (e.g., ED11) and a second device (e.g., ED12)that may be communicating therebetween, as is illustrated in FIG. 20.Accordingly, responsive to said relatively small distance, a power levelradiated by ED11 and/or ED12 may be relatively small, allowing for areuse of frequencies by ED11 and/or ED12 that may comprise frequenciesauthorized for cellular communications, frequencies authorized forcommunications other than cellular, licensed frequencies and/orunlicensed frequencies. In some embodiments, said reuse of frequenciesmay be an immediate reuse of frequencies whereby frequencies radiated byED11 may comprise frequencies radiated by ED12, ED13 and/or ED21. Atechnology and/or air interface used by ED11, ED12, ED13 and/or ED21 tocommunicate therebetween may be based upon a Code Division MultipleAccess (“CDMA”), Time Division Multiple Access (“TDMA”), OFDMA and/orany other technology and/or air interface that may be a variant of oneor more of the technologies and/or air interfaces identified above. Itwill be understood that the inventive concepts and/or embodimentsdisclosed in this present paragraph may also apply to communicationsbetween any other first and second devices of FIG. 20, such as, forexample, communications between the source device 2001 and ED11, ED1Nand BTS destination 2011, ED25 and BTS destination 2011, etc. Further,it will be understood that the inventive concepts and/or embodimentsdisclosed in this present paragraph may also apply to communicationsbetween any other first and second devices of FIG. 21, such as, forexample, communications between ED1 and ED2/ED3, ED3 and AuBTS1, AuBTS1and AuBTS2, AuBTS2 and AuBTS3, AuBTS3 and AuBTS4, AuBTS4 and BTSdestination 2011, ED5 and AuBTS5, AuBTS5 and BTS destination 2011, etc.

A bandwidth (e.g., a range of frequencies or a span of frequencies)utilized for communications between a first device and a second deviceas described in the preceding paragraph may, according to someembodiments, be 100 MHz and, in some embodiments, may exceed 100 MHz.Given such a relatively large bandwidth, an interval of time needed toperform the communications between said first and second devices may berelatively small, allowing for a time staggering to take place betweenthe communications between said first and second devices andcommunications between another, nearby, pair of first and seconddevices. For example, a first interval of time defined by t₁≤t≤t₂ may beused to perform the communications between the first and second devicesand a second interval of time, defined by t₃≤t≤t₄, may be used toperform the communications between said another, nearby, pair of firstand second devices; wherein according to some embodiments, t₂≤t₃.According to other embodiments, however, an overlap between the twointervals of time may be allowed; i.e., t₁≤t₃.

In some embodiments, a first electronic device of a plurality ofelectronic devices is configured to perform operations comprising: (1)being cognizant of a level of connectivity between itself and any second(i.e., any other) electronic device of the plurality of electronicdevices; wherein said being cognizant of a level of connectivitycomprises being cognizant of whether or not a quality-of-servicethreshold is being exceeded (or may be exceeded); and wherein said beingcognizant of whether or not a quality-of-service threshold is beingexceeded (or may be exceeded) is enabled via signaling between saidfirst electronic device and said second (i.e., said any other)electronic device; (2) being cognizant of a location thereof relative tothe BTS Destination 2011 and/or whether or not it is within theProximity of the BTS Destination region; this may be enabled by knowingby the first electronic device its own location (which may be derived bythe first electronic device, for example, from processing of GPSsignals), being cognizant of the location of the BTS Destination 2011and/or being cognizant of the geographic region spanned by the Proximityof the BTS Destination; and (3) being cognizant of a second electronicdevice that is proximate thereto (i.e., that is proximate to the firstelectronic device), which (second electronic device) comprisesconnectivity with the BTS Destination 2011, so that the first electronicdevice may relay information to the second electronic device whilerefraining from doing so to another electronic device that may be devoidof said connectivity with the BTS Destination 2011, is on a pathtrajectory that would not, at a later time, take it closer to the BTSDestination 2011 and/or is associated with an unfavorable geographicposition relative to the Proximity of the BTS Destination region. Forexample, in FIG. 20, the electronic device labeled as ED1N refrains fromtransmitting information to the electronic device labeled as ED1(N+1);electronic device labeled ED25 refrains from transmitting information toelectronic device ED26 and electronic device labeled ED11 refrains fromtransmitting information to electronic device labeled ED10. Moreover,other electronic devices illustrated in FIG. 20 that may transmit and/orreceive information include ED22, ED23, ED24, ED1L, ED1(L+1), andED1(L+2).

FIG. 21 illustrates a plurality of auxiliary base stations labeled asAuBTS1 through AuBTS5. As previously discussed relative to suchauxiliary base stations being in/on houses, buildings, utility poles,water towers and/or other structures, such auxiliary base stations may,relative to a position of a BTS Destination 2011, be placed closer toradiating/electronic devices so as to intercept signals intended for theBTS Destination 2011 and relay such signals to the BTS Destination 2011.In some embodiments, an auxiliary base station is configured to performoperations comprising: (1) receiving a signal that is intended for theBTS Destination 2011; (2) amplifying the signal that is intended for theBTS Destination 2011; (3) demodulating the signal that is intended forthe BTS Destination 2011; (4) regenerating the signal that is intendedfor the BTS Destination 2011; (5) reformatting the signal that isintended for the BTS Destination 2011; (6) modulating the signal that isintended for the BTS Destination 2011; and/or (7) retransmitting thesignal that is intended for the BTS Destination 2011; wherein, in someembodiments, said retransmitting the signal that is intended for the BTSDestination 2011 comprises communicating with another auxiliary basestation and coordinating said retransmitting the signal that is intendedfor the BTS Destination 2011 with a transmission of said anotherauxiliary base station so that said retransmitting the signal that isintended for the BTS Destination 2011 and the transmission of saidanother auxiliary base station arrive at the BTS Destination 2011substantially coherently therebetween at an antenna of the BTSDestination 2011.

Referring to FIG. 21, an electronic device ED1 is illustrated ascommunicating with a source device (e.g., the source device 2001 of FIG.20) and receiving information therefrom; relaying information(comprising said information received from the source device) to anelectronic device ED3 via an electronic device ED2, and then, relayingby the electronic device ED3 information (comprising said informationreceived from the source device) to (a) an electronic device ED5 via anelectronic device ED4 and/or to (b) auxiliary base station AuBTS1. Then,auxiliary base station AuBTS1 may relay information (comprising saidinformation received from the source device) to auxiliary base stationAuBTS4 via auxiliary base stations AuBTS2 and AuBTS3, as illustrated inFIG. 21, and the electronic device ED5 may relay information (comprisingsaid information received from the source device) to auxiliary basestation AuBTS5.

It will be understood that the phrase “relay information (comprisingsaid information received from the source device)” is intentionally usedherein as such so as to not exclude relaying information other than that“received from the source device”. Such information other than that“received from the source device” may, for example, include valuesassociated with one or more channel coefficients, geographiccoordinates, direction of travel, velocity, audio/visual information,path on which travel is taking place, a request to communicate withanother electronic device via the BTS Destination 2011 and/or via otherelectronic devices, etc.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 21, the auxiliary base stations AuBTS4 andAuBTS5 may communicate therebetween and may coordinate respectivetransmissions thereof so as to have said respective transmissionsthereof arrive at an antenna of the BTS Destination 2011 coherentlytherebetween. It will be understood that, in some embodiments, saidinformation received from the source device may be relayed to the BTSDestination 2011 by either auxiliary base station AuBTS4 or auxiliarybase station AuBTS5 responsive to a coordination/communication betweenauxiliary base stations AuBTS4 and AuBTS5. It will also be understoodthat, in some embodiments, said information received from the sourcedevice may be relayed to the BTS Destination 2011 by auxiliary basestations AuBTS4 and AuBTS5 responsive to a coordination/communicationbetween auxiliary base stations AuBTS4 and AuBTS5. Further, it will beunderstood that electronic device ED5 may relay said informationreceived from the source device to electronic device ED6, which mayrelay to a subsequent electronic device, and so-on, until a nextauxiliary base station and/or a next BTS Destination can receive saidinformation received from the source device. This may offer a diversityprotection in accordance with some embodiments. Also, it will beunderstood that electronic device ED6 may relay to a subsequentelectronic device, and so-on, until a proximity region of a next sourcedevice is reached, at which point the information of the source deviceis relayed to said next source device. In this manner, a first sourcedevice (e.g., a first smartphone) may relay information to a secondsource device (e.g., a second smartphone) absent the use of any BTS.

In light of the preceding discussion, referring again to FIG. 20, itwill be understood that the electronic devices ED25 and ED1N maycommunicate therebetween and may coordinate respective transmissionsthereof so as to have said respective transmissions thereof arrive at anantenna of the BTS Destination 2011 coherently therebetween. It will beunderstood that, in some embodiments, said information received from thesource device may be relayed to the BTS Destination 2011 by eitherelectronic device ED25 or electronic device ED1N responsive to acoordination/communication between electronic devices ED25 and ED1N. Itwill also be understood that, in some embodiments, said informationreceived from the source device may be relayed to the BTS Destination2011 by electronic devices ED25 and ED1N responsive to acoordination/communication between electronic devices ED25 and ED1N.Further, it will be understood that electronic device ED25 may relaysaid information received from the source device to electronic deviceED26, which may relay to a subsequent electronic device, and so-on,until a next auxiliary base station and/or a next BTS Destination canreceive said information received from the source device. This may offera diversity protection in accordance with some embodiments. Further, itwill be understood that electronic device ED1N (FIG. 20) may relay saidinformation received from the source device to ED1(N+1) (FIG. 20), whichmay relay to a subsequent electronic device, and so-on, until a nextauxiliary base station and/or a next BTS Destination can receive saidinformation received from the source device. This may offer a diversityprotection in accordance with some embodiments. Further, it will beunderstood that electronic device ED26 may relay to a subsequentelectronic device, and so-on, until a proximity region of a next sourcedevice is reached at which point the information of the source device isrelayed to said next source device. In this manner, a first sourcedevice (e.g., a first smartphone) may relay information to a secondsource device (e.g., a second smartphone) absent the use of any BTS.Similarly, it will also be understood that ED1(N+1) may relay to asubsequent electronic device, and so-on, until a proximity region of adistant source device is reached at which point the information of thesource device is relayed to said distant source device. In this manner,a first source device (e.g., a first smartphone) may relay informationto a second source device (e.g., a second smartphone) absent the use ofany BTS.

FIG. 22A is a flowchart of communications operations performed by afirst device 1601 (FIGS. 16-19) according to some embodiments. Theoperations may involve exchanging information with a second device 1602(FIGS. 16-19) to convey first and second information to a destinationdevice, such as a BTS. Moreover, the first device 1601 may, in someembodiments, include any of the components shown in FIG. 14 with respectto an electronic device/node 1401. For example, the operations shown inFIG. 22A may be performed by a processor 1451, a transceiver 1442,and/or an antenna system 1446 of the first device 1601.

Operations performed by the first device 1601 may include transmitting(Block 2210), by the first device 1601 to the second device 1602, afirst signal comprising first information. The operations may includereceiving (Block 2220), by the first device 1601 from the second device1602, a second signal comprising second information. Though thereceiving (Block 2220) is illustrated in FIG. 22A as being performedafter the transmitting (Block 2210), the receiving (Block 2220) may, insome embodiments, be performed before the transmitting (Block 2210).

The operations may also include generating (Block 2230), by the firstdevice 1601, a first composite signal comprising a first function of thefirst information and the second information. The first and secondinformation may have a statistical independence therebetween. Moreover,the operations may include transmitting (Block 2240), by the firstdevice 1601, the first composite signal to the destination device. Thetransmitting (Block 2240) of the first composite signal may occurconcurrently in time and co-frequency with a transmission (Block 2245 ofFIG. 22B) by the second device 1602 of a second composite signalcomprising a second function of the first and second information. Thesecond function may be different from the first function.

FIG. 22B is a flowchart of communications operations performed by thesecond device 1602 according to some embodiments. The second device 1602may, in some embodiments, include any of the components shown in FIG. 14with respect to an electronic device/node 1401. For example, theoperations shown in FIG. 22B may be performed by a processor 1451, atransceiver 1442, and/or an antenna system 1446 of the second device1602.

Operations performed by the second device 1602 may include transmitting(Block 2215) the second signal from the second device 1602 to the firstdevice 1601. The operations may include receiving (Block 2225) the firstsignal at the second device 1602 from the first device 1601. Though thereceiving (Block 2225) is illustrated in FIG. 22B as being performedafter the transmitting (Block 2215), the receiving (Block 2225) may, insome embodiments, be performed before the transmitting (Block 2215).

Moreover, the operations may include generating (Block 2235), by thesecond device 1602, the second composite signal comprising the secondfunction of the first information and the second information. Theoperations may also include transmitting (Block 2245) the secondcomposite signal from the second device 1602 to the destination device.

The operations shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B may, in some embodiments,correspond to the schematic illustration shown in FIG. 19. Moreover, anyof the signals shown in FIGS. 19, 22A, and 22B may be wirelesslycommunicated using licensed or unlicensed frequencies. For example, theoperations shown in Blocks 2210, 2215, 2220, and/or 2225 may beperformed wirelessly using unlicensed frequencies, and the operationsshown in Blocks 2240 and/or 2245 may be performed wirelessly usinglicensed frequencies.

Black Box Recorder Device

A black box recorder device (“BBRD”) may be installed in, for example, amotor vehicle (“MV”) to gather data that may be useful inresolving/understanding a sequence of events leading up to an accidentand/or other occurrence. Accordingly, in some embodiments relating toinventive concepts that will now be described, a BBRD may be installedin a MV to record/store video, audio and/or other data such as, forexample, data provided by one or more instruments/sensors of the MV, byone or more instruments/sensors of motor vehicle(s) other than said MVthat may, according to some embodiments, be proximate to said MV and/orconnected/communicating therewith, by one or more instruments/sensors ofone or more smartphones that may, according to some embodiments, beproximate to said MV or proximate to other structure(s) of interestand/or by one or more instruments/sensors of other entities/structures(or entity/structure), such as, for example, a building and/or a lightpost. The BBRD may be an electronic device/node such as, for example,electronic device/node 1401 (FIG. 14) and thus may include any of thecomponents shown in FIG. 14, though one or more of the components (e.g.,a transceiver 1442, a display 1454, a user interface 1452, and/or anantenna system 1446) shown therein may be partially or totally omittedin some embodiments.

It will be understood that such data as may be provided to the BBRD ofthe MV by instruments/sensors of motor vehicle(s) other than said MV, byinstruments/sensors of one or more smartphones and/or byinstruments/sensors of other entities/structures, such as, for example,a building and/or a light post, may be provided to the BBRD of the MVwirelessly and, in some embodiments, while the MV and said motorvehicle(s) other than the MV is/are in motion relative to the groundand/or to one another. According to some embodiments, said video, audioand/or other data may be stored/accumulated by the BBRD of the MV sothat a history/record of said video, audio and/or other data, relatingto a time interval/span, that may be predetermined or adaptively arrivedat, may be maintained/stored/recorded for/over an interval of time priorto an event, an interval of time following an event and/or continuously.Said “adaptively arrived at” may be responsive to a time-of-day (“ToD”),a level of sound, an electromagnetic radiation energy level, a lightintensity level (or lack thereof), a velocity, an acceleration, atemperature within the MV and/or outside thereof, an unauthorized usageof the MV and/or a path traversed by the MV that, in some embodiments,may be determined by an artificial intelligence agent/algorithm to be anout-of-the ordinary path and/or an unusual path for said MV given aprior history of the MV. An electronic device/node 1401 (FIG. 14)comprising a transceiver 1442 (FIG. 14) and a processor 1451 (FIG. 14)may be provided in each MV to facilitate communications and vehicularcontrol as discussed herein with respect to FIGS. 23 and 24.

The video, audio and/or other data may, according to some embodiments,include a plurality of components wherein, for example, a firstcomponent of the plurality of components may relate to video, audioand/or other data with a focus on a back/rear of a MV; a secondcomponent of the plurality of components may relate, for example, tovideo, audio and/or other data with a focus on a front of a MV; a thirdcomponent of the plurality of components may relate, for example, tovideo, audio and/or other data with a focus on a side (left and/orright) of a MV, etc. It will be understood that other components of theplurality of components may relate to video, audio and/or other datawith a focus on, for example, a top, bottom and/or interior of a MV. Itwill further be understood that said video, audio and/or other data may,according to some embodiments, comprise infrared data,ultrasonic/subsonic data, ultraviolet data and/or electromagnetic datathat may include spectrum outside of a visible spectrum. In someembodiments, other components of the plurality of components may includedata transmitted by another MV such as, for example, video/audio and/orother data that is transmitted by a first MV and is received by a secondMV for entertainment purposes and/or for communications other thanentertainment purposes. Further, it will be understood that said video,audio and/or other data may, according to some embodiments, comprise anartificial intelligence (“AI”) component that may be provided by aprocessor of a MV and/or a smartphone that may be communicatingtherewith.

According to some embodiments, the BBRD may be configured to record eachone of the components of the plurality of components separately and/orindependently of one another. Accordingly, in some embodiments, videoand/or audio of each component of the plurality of components (and/ordata/parameters other than video and/or audio that may be associatedtherewith) may be recorded, accumulated and/or maintained over alimited/finite time interval/span, whose duration may be predeterminedand/or adaptively arrived at responsive to a velocity, acceleration abiological/physiological parameter of an occupant of a MV, a weathercondition, an AI-based input (that may, according to some embodiments,be a predictive input) and/or a time-of-day. According to someembodiments, said time interval/span may be updated/modified, induration, start-point and/or end-point (by, for example, writing over orrecording over data associated with a previous time interval/span, atleast partially), in order to provide a most recent time interval/spanand recording of data associated therewith just prior to an event,during the event and/or following the event. Said event may be anaccident, a deployment of an air bag, an acceleration/deceleration, avelocity, a position, an electromagnetic radiation level, a sound(humanly audible and/or otherwise), an AI-based prediction and/or asequence of occurrences leading up to said event including but notlimited to a biological/physiological state and/or a biometricidentifier of an occupant of a MV.

In some embodiments, a parameter that is associated with said timeinterval/span and/or said data associated therewith, may depend uponand/or be responsive to a velocity of a MV, an acceleration/decelerationof a MV, a position of a MV, an electromagnetic radiation sensed at aMV, a sound sensed at a MV, a biological state of an occupant of a MV, aphysiological state of an occupant of a MV, a psychological state of anoccupant of a MV, a biometric identifier of an occupant of a MV, anAI-based input and/or a predetermined sequence of events that mayrequire further detail. Said parameter may include, but is not limitedto, data to be recorded (e.g., visual, audio, electromagnetic spectrumrelated, etc. and/or various components thereof such as, left-side of aMV, right-side of a MV, front of a MV, rear of a MV, internal to a MV,etc.), said span/duration, start-point, and/or end-point of said timeinterval/span, a bandwidth used to acquire/record data and/or a samplingrate used to acquire/record data. It will be understood that the term “aMV” as used herein may be used instead of the term “the MV” in order toinclude (and underscore) embodiments of inventive concepts wherein aplurality of MVs may be present in relative proximity therebetween(i.e., in relative proximity with one another). In such embodiments aBBRD of a first MV of the plurality of MVs may, responsive to an event,be recording data associated with the first MV (i.e., data provided byinstruments of the first MV) and/or may, responsive to the event, berecording (and/or be triggered to initiate recording) data that isassociated with a second MV of said plurality of MVs (i.e., data that isprovided by instruments of the second MV and is wirelessly transmittedto the first MV by the second MV); wherein the event may be aspreviously stated.

It will be understood that a first interval/span of time that may beassociated with a first component of the plurality of components maydiffer from a second interval/span of time associated with a secondcomponent of the plurality of components and that even within a givencomponent of the plurality of components, first and second parametersthereof may comprise differing time intervals/spans associatedtherewith. It will also be understood that a given time span may bepredetermined, according to some embodiments; whereas according to otherembodiments, the given time span may be adaptively determined, variableand/or remotely set/established. Further, it will be understood that anature/characteristic of first and second data that is acquired and/orrecorded from respective first and second components of the plurality ofcomponents may differ therebetween in that, for example, the first datamay be video data whereas the second data may audio data.

In some embodiments, a BBRD (or a component thereof) may be included ina MV, whereas according to other embodiments, the BBRD (or a componentthereof) may be situated at a distance from the MV, at least partially.For example, the MV and/or various components/sensors thereof may bewirelessly connected (using, for example, a 4G/5G LTE standard/protocoland/or any other wireless standard/protocol) to a facility that isdistant from the MV and information may thus be relayed from/to the MVand the facility. In some embodiments, the facility may comprise memorythat may be used to store data associated with one or more of saidcomponents of said plurality of components associated with one or moreMVs. Thus, in some embodiments, a data base may be established remotelyfrom the MV; wherein the data base may be wirelessly connected to the MVand may be used to store data associated with the MV. In someembodiments, storing of data may occur at the MV and/or at a data baseremote to the MV and, in further embodiments, data associated with oneor more other MVs, that may have spent time in proximity to the MV, mayalso be stored with, and/or appended to, the data associated with theMV.

According to further embodiments, storing data associated with said oneor more components of the MV (at the facility and/or at the MV) may betriggered by (e.g., may be responsive to) receiving at the MV aninterrogation, a confirmation, and/or a notification that causes asubsystem of the motor vehicle (such as, for example, a transponder ofthe motor vehicle) to transmit a signal. It will be understood that,according to some embodiments, such a trigger/cause (e.g., suchresponsiveness) may further depend upon an accident, a deployment of anair bag, an acceleration/deceleration, a velocity, a position, anelectromagnetic radiation and/or an intensity associated therewith, asound and/or an intensity associated therewith, a level of light (orabsence thereof), a biological, physiological and/or psychological stateof an occupant of a MV, a biometric identifier of an occupant of a MV,an AI-based input/prediction and/or a predetermined (or any other)sequence of events that requires further detail (as may be determined,in some embodiments, by a smartphone of an occupant of a MV; saidsmartphone, in some embodiments, being connected to and/or communicatingwith a MV). Said storing data associated with said one or morecomponents of a MV (at the facility and/or at a MV) may be a permanentstoring of data that may be erasable only by an authority such as, forexample, an insurance company, a police unit, a legal unit, a governmentunit, etc.

It will be understood that even though the inventive concepts disclosedherein and the various embodiments associated therewith are applied to,and/or are illustrated via, systems/methods involving MVs, the inventiveconcepts disclosed herein and the various embodiments associatedtherewith may also be applied to any other entity other than MVs suchas, for example, homes, businesses, remote sites, sites/areas within acity, airports, government/municipal facilities, at or around a basestation and/or at or around any other entity that may benefit frommonitoring and recording of data relating to events that may beassociated therewith and/or related thereto.

Disabling Smartphone Functions

Traveling in a MV while using a mobile device (“MD”), such as, forexample, a smartphone (“SP”), to receive/transmit data (e.g., toreceive/transmit a text, an e-mail, etc.) has proven dangerous and oftenlethal owing to the driver's distraction by such an activity.Accordingly, in additional embodiments of inventive concepts that willnow be described, following ignition of a MV (i.e., following turning onthe engine of the MV) the MV may be configured to radiate a specificpredetermined signal (“SPS”), that may be radiated at a relatively lowpower level, in accordance with some embodiments. Further, the MD, suchas the SP, may be configured to periodically look for the SPS.Responsive to the SPS having been detected by the MD, the MD may beconfigured, according to some embodiments, to disable one or morefunctions thereof such as, for example, receiving/transmitting a textmessage and/or receiving/transmitting an e-mail; wherein, according tosome embodiments, at least one function of the MD remains enabled (e.g.,a voice communications function may remain enabled and/or a voicerecognition function may remain enabled) even though the MD has detectedthe SPS. In other embodiments, responsive to the detection of the SPS bythe MD, all functions of the MD may be disabled including sensorynotifications such as, for example, vibrational, visual and/or audio, aswell as communications via voice, texting and/or e-mail, etc. The MD maybe an electronic device/node 1401 (FIG. 14) and thus may include any ofthe components shown in FIG. 14.

In some embodiments the SPS associated with, and emitted by, a specificMV comprises a specific identification code (“SIC”) that may be knownonly by an owner of the MV and/or by other entities/persons, as may beapproved/authorized by the owner. Accordingly, for example, the SICassociated with the SPS of an owner/driver of the MV would be known bythe owner/driver (and the owner's/driver's MD) and, per theowner's/driver's wishes, by the owner's/driver's spouse (and thespouse's MD), by the owner's/driver's daughter (and the daughter's MD)and by the owner's/driver's son (and the son's MD). Thus, if theowner/driver were to enter the owner's/driver's MV, following ignitionthereof the owner's/driver's MD (assuming it is present with theowner/driver) can detect/recognize the SPS of the owner's/driver's MVand, responsive to such a detection/recognition, the owner's/driver's MDcan disable certain function(s) thereof such as, for example,receiving/sending a text message and/or an e-mail; whereas, according tosome embodiments, at least one function thereof (e.g., a voicecommunications/recognition function) remains enabled even though theowner's/driver's MD has detected the SPS. In other embodiments, allfunctions of the owner's/driver's MD may be disabled responsive to thedetection by the owner's/driver's MD of the SPS. Similar conclusions maybe drawn relative to the MD of the owner's/driver's spouse or that ofthe owner's/driver's daughter or that of the owner's/driver's sonentering the owner's/driver's MV.

If the owner/driver were to enter the owner's/driver's MV together withthe owner's/driver's spouse, daughter and son, and each one of them werecarrying their respective MD, then all four MDs would detect the SPS ofthe owner's/driver's MV. At that point, according to some embodiments,each one of the MDs may request a response from its user by providing aquestion such as, for example: Are you driving? Only upon receiving anegative response to such question (e.g., No, I'm not driving) may theassociated MD continue to function in that one or more functions, or allfunctions, thereof remain enabled. If a MD (of the four MDs in thisexample) does not receive a response to said question within apredetermined time interval following presentation of said question (orthe MD receives an affirmative response within said predetermined timeinterval; e.g., Yes, I'm driving) then that MD disables one or morefunctions thereof such as, for example, receiving/sending a text messageand/or an e-mail; whereas other functions thereof, such as, for example,voice communications and/or a voice recognition function, may continueto be enabled. Upon disabling one or more of its functions, the MDinvolved in the disabling may transfer/delegate/handover at least one,and according to some embodiments all, of the disabled function(s) toanother MD that may be proximate thereto and may have respondednegatively to the question “are you driving?”

In some embodiments, said another MD to which said one or more disabledfunctions are transferred, delegated and/or handed-over to, by a MD thathas disabled one or more of its functions, may be distant from the MDhaving performed the disabling and may not have been presented with thequestion “are you driving?” This distant MD may, for example, belong tothe owner's/driver's spouse who may not be in a MV driving but may, forexample, be at home while the owner/driver is in the owner's/driver's MVdriving and, because of that, the owner's/driver's MD has disabled oneor more of its functions. In some embodiments, knowing/recognizing theSIC by a MV may not be required for an MD to disable one or more of itsfunctions as long as that MD detects a SPS and provides an affirmativeresponse (or no response) to the question “are you driving?” It will beunderstood that, driving or not, a first MD may choose to disable one ormore of its functions and choose to transfer/delegate/handover said oneor more of its functions to a second device, that may be a second MD,which may be predetermined as associated with the first MD.

In some embodiments, a plurality of MDs (e.g., the owner's/driver's MD,the owner's/driver's spouse's MD, the owner's/driver's daughter's MD,and the owner's/driver's son's MD, in the above example) may beconfigured to communicate therebetween (i.e., with one another)responsive to detecting a SPS and/or responsive to detecting one or moreother parameter(s), such as, for example, a velocity, acceleration, avelocity in one direction and a lack thereof in another direction, anacceleration in one direction and a lack thereof in another direction,and/or responsive to at least one of the MDs having disabled at leastone function thereof. Such communications between MDs may, in someembodiments, be enabled via short-range link(s) such as, for example,BLUETOOTH® link(s), via a base station tower and/or via an access point.Responsive to such communications, a MD involved in said disabling ofone or more of its functions may automatically transfer, delegate and/orhandover at least one of said disabled one or more functions to at leastone other MD that may be proximate thereto. Furthermore, responsive tosuch communications, at least one MD of a plurality of MDs that may allbe within a MV (as determined by sensing a SPS of the MV and/or a SICassociated therewith) must be designated as a MD associated with adriver of a MV. Otherwise, some corrective action may be necessary,according to further embodiments. Such corrective action may be anaudible/vibrational/visual signal (that may be intentionallyloud/annoying) being provided by at least one MD of said MDs and, insome embodiments, by each one of the MDs of said MDs. Other correctiveactions, in lieu of the above or in combination with the above, may beimposing a limit on a speed and/or acceleration that the MV may achieveand/or imposing an audible/visual indication on the MV that isindicative of danger. Such an audible/visual indication may be the hornof the MV sounding, another MD (belonging to, for example, aparent/guardian being notified) and/or the lights of the MV flashing,for example. Said other corrective actions may be based upon an abilityof at least one MD of said MDs to connect and communicate with a systemof the MV; wherein said connect and communicate comprises wirelesslyconnect and communicate.

It will be understood that the example discussed above regarding theowner/driver, the owner's/driver's spouse, the owner's/driver'sdaughter, and/or the owner's/driver's son, entering the owner's/driver'sMV (alone/separately or otherwise), is presented for illustrativepurposes only in order to convey inventive concepts associatedtherewith, and not for any limiting purpose(s). It will be understoodthat said example may be applicable/relevant to any four persons andtheir MDs, besides (or including) the owner/driver, the owner's/driver'sspouse, the owner's/driver's daughter, and/or the owner's/driver's son,and that the example may be extended to more than four persons (or maybe limited to less than four persons). Further, it will be understoodthat, according to some embodiments, the SPS may be devoid of a SIC thatmay be unique to a MV such as, for example, the owner's/driver's MV asdiscussed earlier. In accordance with some embodiments, a MV may beconfigured to radiate a SPS that is devoid of a SIC that is unique toany particular MV. Such a SPS may include a predetermined signaturewhich may be used by any MD to recognize/detect the SPS; wherein thesignature may, for example, be a code/pattern, a modulation format, asequence of bits/symbols, etc. associated with the SPS. In otherembodiments, the SPS may comprise said signature as well as a SIC.

In the event a MD detects a SPS that is known/determined/predetermined(by the MD and/or a system with which the MD communicates) to beassociated with a public transportation vehicle (e.g., a bus, train,airplane, sea vessel, etc.), the MD that detects such a SPS may beconfigured, according to some embodiments, to function normally wherebyall functions of the MD, such as, notifications, voice, texting, e-mail,etc., remain active/enabled. In other embodiments, some (but not all) ofsaid functions may become inactive/disabled responsive to detection bythe MD of such SPS that is known/determined/predetermined to beassociated with a public transportation vehicle. For example, a voicefunction of the MD may become inactive/disabled while texting, e-mailand/or other functions remain active/enabled.

Environmental Cognition

According to yet additional embodiments of inventive concepts, a MV mayinclude an electronic device/node such as, for example, the electronicdevice/node 1401 (FIG. 14) comprising a transceiver 1442 and othercomponents, as illustrated in FIG. 14, that may be configured to performoperations including communicating with a base station using, forexample, a 4G/5G LTE protocol and/or any other protocol. Accordingly, aplurality of MVs that are within a service area of the base station maybe capable of receiving and/or transmitting information from/to saidbase station; wherein said receiving and/or transmitting informationincludes, according to some embodiments, position information and/orcontrol information that may comprise velocity control information. Insome embodiments, said receiving and/or transmitting may be responsiveto an occurrence of an event such as, for example, an accident. In someembodiments, a MV of said plurality of MVs that is involved in anaccident transmits information to the base station relating to theaccident. Such information that is transmitted to the base station bythe MV involved in the accident may, according to some embodiments,include position information associated with the MV involved in theaccident and/or other data/information associated therewith. The MVinvolved in the accident may also transmit to the base stationinformation associated with and/or stored in its BBRD. Other MVs of saidplurality of MVs may, responsive to the base station having receivedinformation from the MV involved in the accident, be requested by thebase station to provide to the base station their respective locations,information associated with, and/or stored in, their respective BBRDsand/or other identifying information. Responsive to such data havingbeen provided to the base station by said other MVs, the base stationmay request from said other MVs an acknowledgement, approval,concurrence and/or agreement to begin to control a velocity thereof.Accordingly, responsive to an acknowledgement, approval, concurrenceand/or agreement received by the base station from said other MVs, avelocity of at least one MV of said other MVs may be controlled(increased or decreased) remotely by the base station as furtherdescribed herein. It will be understood that a MV whose velocity iscontrolled by the base station maintains control in deciding when todisengage such remote control of its velocity by the base station.

Accordingly, the base station (and/or another system/device connectedthereto) may include an electronic device/node comprising at least someof the components of the electronic device/node 1401 (FIG. 14) and aprocessor such as processor 1451 (FIG. 14) that is configured to performoperations including comparing a location of the MV involved in theaccident with locations associated with other MVs of the plurality ofMVs, identifying a subset of MVs of the plurality of MVs that is withina predetermined distance of the MV involved in the accident andtransmitting to said subset of MVs information associated with theaccident including location information, data associated with a severityof the accident, alternate routing data, velocity controllinginformation and/or any other information that is associated with theaccident and is deemed necessary by police and/or other first responderauthority such as, for example, medical, fire and/or other entity. Itwill be understood that the base station and/or said other systemconnected thereto, in lieu of sending information to said subset of MVsor in conjunction therewith, may be further configured to sendinformation associated with the accident to police and/or other firstresponder authority such as, for example, medical, fire and/or otherentity/person(s) such as, for example, a spouse of an owner of the MVinvolved in the accident and/or a child of the owner of the MV involvedin the accident that is/are authorized and predetermined by the owner ofthe MV involved in the accident to receive information associated withthe accident.

It will be understood that even though the inventive concepts disclosedherein and the various embodiments associated therewith are applied to,and/or are illustrated via, systems/methods involving MVs, the inventiveconcepts disclosed herein and the various embodiments associatedtherewith may also be applied to any other entity other than MVs suchas, for example, homes, offices, businesses, geographic locations.

Reducing Accidents and/or Traffic Congestion

An accident may result in “rubber necking” associated therewith, causingtraffic congestion. According to inventive concepts now to be described,such traffic congestion may be avoided or reduced. Each one of aplurality of MVs may be equipped with a transceiver 1442 (FIG. 14) thatmay be used to receive and/or transmit information from/to a basestation, access point and/or other MVs that are within a geographic area230 (FIG. 23) that may be predetermined or may depend on a location ofan accident and/or a severity of the accident. Accordingly, one or moreMVs that may be involved in an accident may transmit information to saidbase station, access point and/or other MVs that are within thegeographic area 230. The information may include, for example, alocation associated with the accident and/or information stored in oneor more BBRDs respectively associated with the one or more MVs that maybe associated with the accident. Accordingly, each MV that is within apredetermined distance/radius of the accident may, according to someembodiments, be commanded to engage an “autopilot” mode in order tonavigate past said accident devoid of, and/or unfettered by, said rubbernecking. The engagement of the autopilot mode may be automatic (i.e.,devoid of human intervention) or may require human intervention in someembodiments. Accordingly, in some embodiments, responsive to an eventsuch as, for example, an accident, a request for autopilot modeengagement may be received by each MV that is within the predetermineddistance/radius of the accident. Then, responsive to an acceptance ofsaid request, the autopilot mode may be engaged. In some embodiments, avehicle that is within the predetermined distance/radius of the accidentand has previously issued an acceptance/agreement associated withautopilot engagement may have its autopilot mode engaged without afurther request and/or acceptance. However, once the autopilot mode isengaged and/or prior to being engaged a message may be presented to theassociated MV so as to inform a human therein (e.g., a driver of the MV)of the impending action for the MV to be placed in autopilot mode.Accordingly, an action of a first MV (e.g., a first MV being involved inan accident) may cause an action of a second MV (e.g., a second MV beingplaced in autopilot mode).

More specifically, responsive to having been placed in an autopilotmode, a first MV may communicate with a second MV that is in front ofthe first MV, at a distance from the first MV and is travelingsubstantially in the same direction as the first MV and further, thefirst MV may communicate with a third MV that is behind the first MV, ata distance from the first MV and is traveling substantially in the samedirection as the first MV. Each of the second and third MVs may also bein communications with other MVs along the lines described above for thefirst MV (i.e., with a MV in front thereof and traveling substantiallyin the same direction therewith and with a MV behind thereof andtraveling substantially in the same direction therewith). Accordingly,in some embodiments, a processor such as, for example, the processor1451 (FIG. 14) may be configured to control a first MV to performoperations comprising: communicating with a second MV that is in frontof the first MV, at a distance from the first MV and is travelingsubstantially in the same direction as the first MV and communicatingwith a third MV that is behind the first MV, at a distance from thefirst MV and is traveling substantially in the same direction as thefirst MV. It will be understood that said second MV may comprise aplurality of spaced apart MVs that are travelling in substantially thesame direction as the first MV; and that said third MV may comprise aplurality of spaced apart MVs that are travelling in substantially thesame direction as the first MV.

The communications between the first and second MVs and between thefirst and third MVs may include a distance from one another, position,velocity and/or acceleration information. For example, the first MV maycommunicate to the second MV a distance therefrom. The second MV maycommunicate to the first MV a velocity and/or acceleration associatedtherewith. Accordingly, for example, a velocity and/or acceleration ofthe second MV, that is in front of the first MV, may dictate a velocityand/or acceleration of the first MV and a velocity/acceleration of thefirst MV that is in front of the third MV may dictate a velocity and/oracceleration of the third MV. Accordingly, the processor operationsstated earlier may further include: changing a velocity of the first MVresponsive to a change of velocity of at least one other MV and/or achange of distance between the first MV and at least one other MV.

In situations wherein, for example, fog (and/or one or more othercondition(s)) causes an accident, communications between MVs, asdescribed above, may prevent a pile-up of additional MVs (i.e., mayprevent additional MVs from being involved in the accident).Furthermore, it will be appreciated that said communications betweenMVs, may even prevent the accident from occurring. FIG. 23 illustratesdirect vehicle-to-vehicle communications and/or indirectvehicle-to-vehicle communications using a base station BTS or accesspoint and/or other intervening MVs. As used herein, in some embodiments,the term “access point” may refer to a short-range wirelesscommunications access point, such as a Wi-Fi access point or ashort-range microwave link based access point that uses frequenciesabove 10 GHz and, in some embodiments, frequencies above 20 GHz. In someembodiments, an access point may be mounted in an outdoor/public space,such as on a light pole or other structure. As used herein, in someembodiments, the term “short-range” refers to a distance of less than300 feet. In further embodiments, the term “short-range” refers to adistance of less than 150 feet.

In reference to FIG. 23, each one of the MVs labeled as MV 101, MV 102and MV 103, may include a transmitter and a receiver that may be used toreceive and/or transmit information wirelessly to/from a base stationBTS or access point and/or to/from at least one other MV, as illustratedin FIG. 23. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a first MV may wirelesslybe connected directly to a second MV of a plurality of MVs and mayfurther wirelessly be connected indirectly to a third MV of theplurality of MVs. FIG. 23 illustrates, for example, MV 101 beingconnected wirelessly directly to MV 102 via wireless link 87 and alsobeing connected indirectly to MV 102 via wireless links 90 and 91.Further, FIG. 23 illustrates MV 101 being connected indirectly to MV 103via wireless links 87 and 88 (i.e., via the intervening MV 102) and alsobeing connected indirectly to MV 103 via wireless links 90 and 92. Itwill be understood that MV 101 may be connected indirectly to MV 104 viawireless links 89, 92 and 90; and may also be connected indirectly to MV104 via wireless links 89, 88 and 87.

In some embodiments, the wireless links 90-92 may comprise frequenciesthat have been authorized for use in providing cellular communications.In some embodiments, the wireless links 90-92 may comprise licensedand/or unlicensed frequencies. In further embodiments, the wirelesslinks 90-92 may comprise frequencies that exceed 10 GHz or even 20 GHz.The wireless links 86-89 may be, in some embodiments, short-rangewireless links (e.g., Wi-Fi or BLUETOOTH®). In other embodiments, thewireless links 86-89 may be based, at least partially, on frequenciesauthorized for the provision of cellular communications, while infurther embodiments, the wireless links 86-89 may be based onfrequencies that are licensed and authorized for the provision ofcellular communications and on frequencies that are unlicensed orlicensed and used for the provision of non-cellular or cellularcommunications. Moreover, the wireless links 86-89 may be direct linksbetween transceivers 1442 (FIG. 14) that are installed in the MVs,and/or may include (i) links between MDs that are carried by occupantsof different MVs and/or (ii) links between the MDs and transceivers ofMVs. Similarly, the wireless links 90-92 may be direct links between abase station BTS and transceivers 1442 that are installed in the MVs, ormay include (a) links between the base station BTS and MDs that arecarried by occupants of the MVs and (b) links between the MDs and theMVs. Accordingly, MV communications may, in some embodiments, beprovided via MDs.

In some embodiments, information exchanged between two MVs that areproximate to one another may be greater than information exchangedbetween two MVs that are farther apart from one another. Still referringto FIG. 23, information exchanged between two adjacent MVs (e.g., MV 101and MV 100 via wireless link 86), may be greater than informationexchanged between two MVs that are farther apart from one another (e.g.,MV 101 and MV 104 via wireless links 87, 88 and 89). It will beunderstood that information exchanged between MV 101 and MV 100 may begreater or less than information exchanged between MV 101 and MV 102.Furthermore, it will be understood that information exchanged between MV102 and MV 103 may be greater or less than information exchanged betweenMV 102 and MV 101 (even though the MV pairs referred to are adjacent toone another in both cases). The statement “may be greater or less”according to some embodiments may refer to a bandwidth and/or a timespan used to transfer the information being greater or less. In someembodiments, as a distance between two MVs increases a measure ofinformation that is exchanged between them decreases; wherein, in someembodiments, said “measure of information” represents a bandwidth usedand/or a time span used to exchange the information. To facilitatevehicular communications and control, one or more of the MVs 100-104 mayhave an onboard electronic device/node 1401 (FIG. 14) including but notlimited to the transceiver 1442 (FIG. 14), the processor 1451 (FIG. 14),the antenna system 1446 (FIG. 14), and a connection to other MVelectronics (or sub-systems) that may need to be communicated with inorder to facilitate said vehicular communications and control.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of systems/methods according to some embodimentsof the present inventive concepts. The operations include identifying(Block 2410) a plurality of MVs that are within a geographic area 230(FIG. 23). In some embodiments, identifying the MVs may includespecifying the geographic area 230, such as by (i) a user selection viaa user interface such as, for example, the user interface 1452 (FIG. 14)(e.g., on a police officer's MD or on a computer console) of thegeographic area 230, or by (ii) an automatic selection by a processorsuch as, for example, the processor 1451 (FIG. 14) without, or inaddition to, using a user interface 1452. Identifying the MVs that arewithin the geographic area 230 may also include causing (e.g.,triggering) at least one signal to be transmitted identifying a positionof each MV that is within the geographic area 230. For example, inresponse to specifying the geographic area 230, a base station BTS (FIG.23) may “ping” MVs in the geographic area 230 to cause signals (or tocause at least one signal) to be transmitted by the MVs (or by at leastone MV) to identify position(s) associated therewith and, in someembodiments, to specify identities (or an identity) associated therewithto the base station BTS. The term “ping” as used herein refers torequesting, interrogating and/or soliciting MVs in the geographic area230 to cause said signals to be transmitted by the MVs and/or byrespective MDs associated therewith. It will be understood that each MVof said MVs may itself comprise, and/or via an MD associated therewith,electronics that provides position coordinates via, for example,processing of GPS signals. Such processing may, for example, reside atleast partially in a processor such as in processor 1451 (FIG. 14).

In some embodiments, a processor such as processor 1451 (FIG. 14) mayautomatically identify (e.g., specify) the geographic area 230 based on(e.g., in response to receiving information regarding) a weathercondition, a time-of-day, real-time images of MVs, a service area (or aportion thereof) of a base station BTS, and/or an event (e.g., amotor-vehicle accident). Moreover, the processor 1451 may be in anelectronic device/node 1401 (FIG. 14), which may be at the base stationBTS, a server or other facility associated therewith, or part of an MD.

The operations shown in FIG. 24 also include requesting (Block 2420)data from at least one of the identified MVs. In particular, the requestfor data may be transmitted wirelessly (e.g., via at least one ofwireless links 86-89 (FIG. 23) and/or at least one of wireless links90-92 (FIG. 23)). The data can include any data that is measurable bythe MVs, such as vehicle velocity, direction of travel, number ofpassengers present therein, and/or position thereof. Additionally oralternatively, the data can include identification information and/orauthorization for autopilot engagement. For example, as MVs travel on aroad/highway and are served (or include occupants carrying MDs that areserved) by a base station BTS, the base station BTS can periodicallytransmit a signal requesting identification information and/or positiondata (e.g., coordinates) from the MVs (and/or from the MDs therein).Moreover, in response to receiving a request from the base station BTSfor information, the MVs (and/or the MDs therein) may each periodicallytransmit identification information and/or position data to the basestation BTS, independently of whether the base station BTS repeats therequest, responsive to the MVs being within the area 230 (FIG. 23).

The operations shown in FIG. 24 further include transmitting (Block2430) information to at least one of the identified MVs. In particular,the information may be wirelessly transmitted (e.g., via at least one ofwireless links 86-89 and/or at least one of wireless links 90-92). Theinformation may include, for example, a reply/command that is responsiveto data provided by the MVs. For example, in response to identificationinformation, position data, and/or authorization for autopilotengagement provided by the MVs to a base station BTS, the base stationBTS may transmit a command to at least one MV of the MVs to engage anautopilot mode. The terms “data” and “information” may be used herein todifferentiate between operations in Blocks 2420 and 2430, though theseterms may also be used interchangeably.

Moreover, the operations shown in FIG. 24 include controlling (Block2440) velocity and/or acceleration of at least one of the identifiedMVs, based on the information that is transmitted. For example, adistance between two MVs may be controlled by controlling the velocityand/or acceleration of at least one of the MVs. The distance may be aparticular number of feet and can vary based on vehicle type and/orother conditions, such as weather and/or traffic congestion. In someembodiments, different distances may be concurrently controlled betweendifferent pairs of MVs.

In some embodiments, each of the operations of Blocks 2410-2430 may beperformed by a base station BTS and/or other facility connected thereto.Alternatively, each of the operations of Blocks 2410-2430 may beperformed by an access point or MV (e.g., a police or othergovernment-services vehicle or an MD therein). In some embodiments,operation(s) of Block 2410 may be cloud-based (e.g., performed using aserver). Moreover, operation(s) of Blocks 2410 and/or 2420 may beperformed by a base station BTS, and operation(s) of Block 2430 may beperformed by an access point or MV in response to a communicationthereto from the base station BTS. For example, the base station BTS maytransmit information to one MV 104 (FIG. 23) via another MV 103 (FIG.23). Operation(s) of Block 2440 may be performed by processor(s) 1451 inthe MV(s) that can control acceleration and/or deceleration thereof.Accordingly, the operations of Blocks 2410-2440 may, in someembodiments, provide remote control of acceleration and/or decelerationof the MVs.

It would indeed be unduly repetitious/tedious and obfuscating todescribe in detail herein and illustrate every combination,sub-combination and/or variation of embodiments described herein that ispossible using aspects, alternatives, variations, elements,architectures and/or parameters of embodiments already described above.The present description shall be construed to constitute a completewritten description that supports each and every possible combination,sub-combination and/or variation of embodiments described herein and ofany combination, sub-combination and/or variation of aspects,architectures, elements and/or parameters associated therewith, and ofthe manner and process of making and using them, and shall supportClaims to any such combination, sub-combination and/or variation.

Specific exemplary embodiments of inventive concepts have been describedwith reference to the accompanying drawings. These inventive conceptsmay, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concepts tothose skilled in the art. It will be understood that any two or moreembodiments of the present inventive concepts as presented herein may becombined in whole or in part to form one or more additional embodiments.

The term(s) “transmitter,” “receiver,” “transceiver,” “mobile device”and/or “smartphone,” as may be used herein, include(s)cellular/terrestrial/satellite terminals, laptop computers, palmtopcomputers, pads/tablets and/or any device/system with or without amulti-line display that comprises a wireless communications capabilityand may be configured to provide functions including, but not limitedto, voice/data communications, voice recognition, touch screenprocessing, data processing, paging, Internet/Intranet access, Webbrowsing, position determination and/or Global Positioning System (GPS)signal processing. The term(s) “transmitter,” “receiver,” “transceiver,”“mobile device” and/or “smartphone,” as used herein, also include(s) anywireless communications device comprising time-varying and/or fixedgeographic coordinates and may be portable, transportable and/orinstalled in a vehicle (aeronautical/space-based, maritime, and/orland-based) and may be configured to operate locally and/or in adistributed fashion on a planet and/or space.

The present inventive concepts have been described/specified withreference to figure(s), block diagram(s), Claim(s) and/or flowchartillustration(s) of methods, apparatus (systems) and/or computer programproducts according to various embodiments. It is understood that a blockof the block diagram(s) and/or flowchart illustration(s), andcombinations of blocks in the block diagram(s) and/or flowchartillustration(s), may be implemented by computer program instructions.These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of ageneral-purpose computer, special purpose computer, and/or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer and/orother programmable data processing apparatus, create means(functionality) and/or structure for implementing the functions/actsspecified in the figure(s), block diagram(s) and/or flowchart block orblocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readablememory produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the figure(s), block diagram(s)and/or flowchart block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe figure(s), block diagram(s) and/or flowchart block or blocks.

Accordingly, the present inventive concepts may be embodied in hardwareand/or in software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code,etc.). Furthermore, the present inventive concepts may take the form ofa computer program product on a computer-usable or computer-readablestorage medium having computer-usable or computer-readable program codeembodied in the medium for use by or in connection with an instructionexecution system. In the context of this document, a computer-usable orcomputer-readable medium may be any medium that can contain, store,communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or inconnection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

It should also be noted that in some alternate implementations, thefunctions/acts noted in the blocks of the block diagram(s)/flowchart(s)and/or figure(s) may occur out of the order noted in the blockdiagram(s)/flowchart(s) and/or figure(s). For example, two blocks shownin succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or theblocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending uponthe functionality/acts involved. Moreover, the functionality of a givenblock of the flowchart(s)/block diagram(s) and/or figure(s) may beseparated into multiple blocks and/or the functionality of two or moreblocks of the flowchart(s)/block diagram(s) and/or figure(s) may be atleast partially integrated with one another.

Many different embodiments, besides those described herein, are possiblein connection with the above description, drawing(s) and document(s)that have been incorporated herein, by reference, as will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art. It would be unduly repetitious andobfuscating to describe/illustrate every combination and sub-combinationof these embodiments. Accordingly, the present specification, includingthe drawings, claims and any cited Application(s) that are assigned tothe present Assignee, ENK Wireless, Inc., and are incorporated herein byreference, shall be construed to constitute a complete writtendescription of all combinations and sub-combinations of embodiments andof the manner and process of making and using them, and shall supportclaims to any such combination and/or sub-combination.

It will be understood that any of the embodiments described herein (orany element/portion of any embodiment described herein) may be combinedwith any other embodiment (or element/portion thereof) to provide yetanother embodiment. The number of different embodiments that areprovided by the present inventive concepts are too numerous to list anddescribe individually and in whole. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that any of the embodiments described herein (or anyelement/portion of any embodiment that is described herein) may becombined with any other embodiment (or element/portion thereof) toprovide yet another embodiment.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed embodimentsof the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they areused in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system that is configured to perform operationscomprising: identifying a plurality of motor vehicles that are within ageographic area; requesting data from at least one motor vehicle of theplurality of motor vehicles; transmitting information to the at leastone motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles; and controlling avelocity and/or an acceleration of the at least one motor vehicle of theplurality of motor vehicles, based on the information that istransmitted.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein saididentifying a plurality of motor vehicles comprises: identifying the atleast one motor vehicle that is within the geographic area by detectingan identifier that is associated with the motor vehicle.
 3. The systemaccording to claim 2, wherein said detecting comprises wirelesslydetecting, and wherein the identifier comprises: a code that is uniquelyassociated with the motor vehicle.
 4. The system according to claim 3,wherein said identifying a plurality of motor vehicles comprises:identifying the plurality of motor vehicles by wirelessly detecting, foreach motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles, a respectiveidentifying code that is uniquely associated therewith.
 5. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the geographic area is identifiedresponsive to a weather condition, a time-of-day, and/or an event. 6.The system according to claim 5, wherein the event comprises amotor-vehicle accident.
 7. The system according to claim 5, wherein theweather condition comprises rain, ice, snow, and/or fog.
 8. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said requesting data comprises wirelesslyrequesting data, and wherein the data that is requested comprises: avelocity, a direction of travel, an identity, data from a vehicularsensor, and/or data relating to a regulatory compliance.
 9. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said transmitting information compriseswirelessly transmitting information comprising a motor-vehicle velocityto be achieved.
 10. The system according to claim 1, wherein saidrequesting data from at least one motor vehicle of the plurality ofmotor vehicles comprises requesting data from each motor vehicle of theplurality of motor vehicles.
 11. The system according to claim 1,wherein said transmitting information comprises transmitting to eachmotor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles a command to increase avelocity thereof, to decrease the velocity thereof, or to maintain thevelocity thereof unchanged, and wherein said controlling a velocity ofat least one motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles isperformed in response to the command.
 12. The system according to claim1, wherein said transmitting information comprises transmitting to eachmotor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles a command wirelesslyand directly thereto and/or wirelessly and indirectly thereto.
 13. Thesystem according to claim 12, wherein said transmitting wirelessly andindirectly comprises transmitting information to a first motor vehicleof the plurality of motor vehicles via a second motor vehicle of theplurality of motor vehicles.
 14. The system according to claim 13,wherein the second motor vehicle transmits to the first motor vehicle inresponse to the second motor vehicle having received information fromthe system and/or in response to the first motor vehicle having ignoredinformation that has been transmitted thereto by the system or anothermotor vehicle.
 15. The system according to claim 1, wherein saidcontrolling a velocity and/or an acceleration comprises: controlling afirst distance between a first motor vehicle of the plurality of motorvehicles and a second motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles.16. The system according to claim 15, wherein said controlling avelocity and/or an acceleration further comprises: controlling a seconddistance between a third motor vehicle of the plurality of motorvehicles and a fourth motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles.17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the first distance issubstantially equal to the second distance.
 18. The system according toclaim 16, wherein the first distance is greater than the seconddistance.
 19. The system according to claim 16, wherein the firstdistance is less than the second distance.
 20. The system according toclaim 1, wherein said controlling a velocity and/or an acceleration ofat least one motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles comprises:increasing a velocity of a first motor vehicle of the plurality of motorvehicles while decreasing a velocity of a second motor vehicle of theplurality of motor vehicles.
 21. The system according to claim 1,wherein said controlling a velocity and/or an acceleration of at leastone of the plurality of motor vehicles comprises: increasing a velocityof a first motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles whileincreasing a velocity of a second motor vehicle of the plurality ofmotor vehicles.
 22. The system according to claim 1, wherein saidtransmitting information to at least one motor vehicle comprises:providing an option to the at least one motor vehicle to elect to haveits velocity and/or acceleration controlled by the system or not. 23.The system according to claim 22, wherein the option that is provided tothe at least one motor vehicle is responsive to data received by thesystem from the at least one motor vehicle indicating an acceptance bythe at least one motor vehicle to consider relinquishing control ofvelocity and/or acceleration thereof to the system.
 24. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said identifying a plurality of motorvehicles that are within a geographic area comprises: specifying thegeographic area; and causing at least one signal to be transmittedidentifying a position of each motor vehicle of the plurality of motorvehicles.
 25. The system according to claim 24, wherein the at least onesignal identifying a position of each motor vehicle of the plurality ofmotor vehicles is received by the system from at least one motor vehicleof the plurality of motor vehicles.
 26. The system according to claim25, wherein the system receives the at least one signal from the atleast one motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles responsive tothe system having specified the geographic area and having caused the atleast one motor vehicle to exchange data with at least one other motorvehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles.
 27. The system according toclaim 24, wherein the at least one signal identifying a position of eachmotor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles is received by thesystem from at least one smartphone that is associated with at least onemotor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles.
 28. The systemaccording to claim 27, wherein the system receives the at least onesignal from the at least one smartphone that is associated with the atleast one motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles responsive tothe system having specified the geographic area and having caused the atleast one smartphone that is associated with the at least one motorvehicle to exchange data with at least one other smartphone that isassociated with at least one other motor vehicle of the plurality ofmotor vehicles.
 29. The system according to claim 24, wherein the atleast one signal identifying a position of each motor vehicle of theplurality of motor vehicles is based upon processing of GPS signals. 30.The system according to claim 1, wherein the operations furthercomprise: causing a payment to be received from an account associatedwith a motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles and/or from anaccount associated with an occupant of the motor vehicle responsive tothe motor vehicle having been identified as being within the geographicarea.
 31. The system according to claim 30, wherein the occupant of themotor vehicle is a driver of the motor vehicle.
 32. A method comprising:identifying a plurality of motor vehicles that are within a geographicarea; requesting data from at least one motor vehicle of the pluralityof motor vehicles; transmitting information to the at least one motorvehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles; and controlling a velocityand/or an acceleration of the at least one motor vehicle of theplurality of motor vehicles, based on the information that istransmitted.
 33. The method according to claim 32, wherein saididentifying a plurality of motor vehicles comprises: identifying the atleast one motor vehicle that is within the geographic area by detectingan identifier that is associated with the motor vehicle.
 34. The methodaccording to claim 33, wherein said detecting comprises wirelesslydetecting, and wherein the identifier comprises: a code that is uniquelyassociated with the motor vehicle.
 35. The method according to claim 34,wherein said identifying a plurality of motor vehicles comprises:identifying the plurality of motor vehicles by wirelessly detecting, foreach motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles, a respectiveidentifying code that is uniquely associated therewith.
 36. The methodaccording to claim 32, wherein the geographic area is identifiedresponsive to a weather condition, a time-of-day, and/or an event. 37.The method according to claim 36, wherein the event comprises amotor-vehicle accident.
 38. The method according to claim 36, whereinthe weather condition comprises rain, ice, snow, and/or fog.
 39. Themethod according to claim 32, wherein said requesting data compriseswirelessly requesting data, and wherein the data that is requestedcomprises: a velocity, a direction of travel, an identity, data from avehicular sensor, and/or data relating to a regulatory compliance. 40.The method according to claim 32, wherein said transmitting informationcomprises wirelessly transmitting information comprising a motor-vehiclevelocity to be achieved.
 41. The method according to claim 32, whereinsaid requesting data from at least one motor vehicle of the plurality ofmotor vehicles comprises requesting data from each motor vehicle of theplurality of motor vehicles.
 42. The method according to claim 32,wherein said transmitting information comprises transmitting to eachmotor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles a command to increase avelocity thereof, to decrease the velocity thereof, or to maintain thevelocity thereof unchanged, and wherein said controlling a velocity ofat least one motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles isperformed in response to the command.
 43. The method according to claim32, wherein said transmitting information comprises transmitting to eachmotor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles a command wirelesslyand directly thereto and/or wirelessly and indirectly thereto.
 44. Themethod according to claim 43, wherein said transmitting wirelessly andindirectly comprises transmitting information to a first motor vehicleof the plurality of motor vehicles via a second motor vehicle of theplurality of motor vehicles.
 45. The method according to claim 44,wherein the second motor vehicle transmits to the first motor vehicle inresponse to the second motor vehicle having received information from asystem and/or in response to the first motor vehicle having ignoredinformation that has been transmitted thereto by the system or anothermotor vehicle.
 46. The method according to claim 32, wherein saidcontrolling a velocity and/or an acceleration comprises: controlling afirst distance between a first motor vehicle of the plurality of motorvehicles and a second motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles.47. The method according to claim 46, wherein said controlling avelocity and/or an acceleration further comprises: controlling a seconddistance between a third motor vehicle of the plurality of motorvehicles and a fourth motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles.48. The method according to claim 47, wherein the first distance issubstantially equal to the second distance.
 49. The method according toclaim 47, wherein the first distance is greater than the seconddistance.
 50. The method according to claim 47, wherein the firstdistance is less than the second distance.
 51. The method according toclaim 32, wherein said controlling a velocity and/or an acceleration ofat least one motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles comprises:increasing a velocity of a first motor vehicle of the plurality of motorvehicles while decreasing a velocity of a second motor vehicle of theplurality of motor vehicles.
 52. The method according to claim 32,wherein said controlling a velocity and/or an acceleration of at leastone of the plurality of motor vehicles comprises: increasing a velocityof a first motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles whileincreasing a velocity of a second motor vehicle of the plurality ofmotor vehicles.
 53. The method according to claim 32, wherein saidtransmitting information to at least one motor vehicle comprises:providing an option to the at least one motor vehicle to elect to haveits velocity and/or acceleration controlled by a system or not.
 54. Themethod according to claim 53, wherein the option that is provided to theat least one motor vehicle is responsive to data received by the systemfrom the at least one motor vehicle indicating an acceptance by the atleast one motor vehicle to consider relinquishing control of velocityand/or acceleration thereof to the system.
 55. The method according toclaim 32, wherein said identifying a plurality of motor vehicles thatare within a geographic area comprises: specifying the geographic area;and causing at least one signal to be transmitted identifying a positionof each motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles.
 56. The methodaccording to claim 55, wherein the at least one signal identifying aposition of each motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles isreceived by a system from at least one motor vehicle of the plurality ofmotor vehicles.
 57. The method according to claim 56, wherein the systemreceives the at least one signal from the at least one motor vehicle ofthe plurality of motor vehicles responsive to the system havingspecified the geographic area and having caused the at least one motorvehicle to exchange data with at least one other motor vehicle of theplurality of motor vehicles.
 58. The method according to claim 55,wherein the at least one signal identifying a position of each motorvehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles is received by a system fromat least one smartphone that is associated with at least one motorvehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles.
 59. The method according toclaim 58, wherein the system receives the at least one signal from theat least one smartphone that is associated with the at least one motorvehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles responsive to the systemhaving specified the geographic area and having caused the at least onesmartphone that is associated with the at least one motor vehicle toexchange data with at least one other smartphone that is associated withat least one other motor vehicle of the plurality of motor vehicles. 60.The method according to claim 55, wherein the at least one signalidentifying a position of each motor vehicle of the plurality of motorvehicles is based upon processing of GPS signals.
 61. The methodaccording to claim 32, wherein the operations further comprise: causinga payment to be received from an account associated with a motor vehicleof the plurality of motor vehicles and/or from an account associatedwith an occupant of the motor vehicle responsive to the motor vehiclehaving been identified as being within the geographic area.